Following recent incidents within the Gallery it is now necessary to introduce increased security measures to ensure the safety of all who visit, National Gallery staff and the nation’s collection of paintings.
Free access to the National Gallery allows everyone to be inspired by humanity’s greatest achievements. The museum collection is irreplaceable and with each attack the museum has been forced to consider putting more barriers between the people and their artworks to preserve these fragile objects for future generations.
Unfortunately, the National Gallery now reached a point where it has been forced to act to protect our visitors, staff and collection.
No liquids can be brought into the National Gallery, except for baby formula, expressed milk and prescription medicines.
Since July 2022, the National Gallery alone has been the victim of five separate attacks on iconic paintings such as Vincent van Gogh's 'Sunflowers', John Constable's 'The Hay Wain' and Velázquez’s 'Rokeby Venus'. Such attacks have caused physical damage to the artworks, distress to visitors and staff alike, and disruption to the mission to ensure great art is available for everyone, everywhere to enjoy.
Two of these attacks have happened in the last two weeks, and that is why the difficult and unfortunate decision has been made. It will take longer to access the Gallery than usual and the museum apologises for this inconvenience.