Full Documentary: 200 Years of the National Gallery Ep3 - The People’s Gallery (1954-2024)

Watch Episode 3 of '200 Years of the National Gallery'. Travel back through 200 extraordinary years of our history - from our origins in a private house in Pall Mall to our current home in bustling Trafalgar Square. ‘200 Years of the National Gallery’ is a three-part documentary miniseries. Stream for free exclusively on YouTube.

Through the eyes of the staff, past and present, who care for the nation’s collection, and with rarely seen and newly digitised archive footage and images, we go exclusively behind-the-scenes to see the role the Gallery plays at the heart of cultural life of the UK.

Watch the series trailer:    • Trailer: 200 Years of the National Ga...  

Episode 1: Foundations (1824-1900)    • Full Documentary: 200 Years of the Na...  

The National Gallery was founded as an act of parliament, for the public – unlike European galleries formed from royal collections. From our origins in a private home on Pall Mall to a new building in Trafalgar Square, our collection grows from significant bequests and paintings bought for the nation.

Episode 2: Towards Modernity (1900-1945)    • Full Documentary: 200 Years of the Na...  

Now a gallery to rival its European counterparts, as the 20th century dawns the National Gallery faces new challenges. There is great competition from a burgeoning international art market and rocketing costs of acquiring masterpieces. And by the midpoint in this new century, it would have faced - and come through - the First and Second World Wars.

Episode 3: The People’s Gallery (1954-2024)    • Full Documentary: 200 Years of the Na...  

The National Gallery has proved its value - and the value of art - in the darkest hours of the early 20th century. Its staff now host exhibitions, do scientific research, conserve the paintings, make refreshments, and put on events. This next chapter is thoroughly modern in tone.
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Keep exploring our history with ‘NG Stories: Making a National Gallery’. This experience, both online and in the Gallery, uses digital technology to tell you the unexpected human stories which have shaped our 200-year history.

‘NG Stories: Making a National Gallery’ is displayed for free until 12 January 2025: www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/ng-stories

#NationalGallery #ArtHistory #NG200 #LondonHistory

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The National Gallery houses the national collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The museum is free of charge and open 361 days per year, daily between 10am - 6pm and on Fridays between 10am - 9pm.

Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN
www.nationalgallery.org.uk/