The National Gallery in London is celebrating a remarkable milestone – its 200th anniversary – and is offering art lovers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the magic of its hallowed halls. As part of this celebration, the gallery is hosting a special competition that will allow one lucky winner to spend the night surrounded by some of the most iconic masterpieces of European art history. Imagine yourself in a serene and peaceful environment, surrounded by the likes of Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” or Leonardo da Vinci’s “Lady with an Ermine”. The National Gallery is offering the chance to immerse yourself in the world of art, with the winner of this competition getting to sleep on a special bed placed between two of the gallery’s most famous paintings. The competition will take place on April 29, and the winner will be selected through a random draw. To participate, entrants must subscribe to the National Gallery’s newsletter by April 28. The winner will be notified personally, and as part of their prize, they will receive a private dinner for two at the newly opened Locatelli restaurant, followed by a private tour of the gallery led by the Director of Collections and Research, Christine Riding. During this special tour, the winner will have the opportunity to explore over 1,000 works of art, spanning Western painting history from the 13th to the 20th century. This tour will include both familiar masterpieces and previously unseen paintings, offering an unforgettable journey through the gallery’s extensive collection. After the tour, the winner will wake up to a special breakfast basket, and before the gallery opens to the public, they will have the rare opportunity to wander the galleries alone, experiencing the art without the crowds. This will allow the winner to connect with the masterpieces in solitude, having the entire space to themselves. The Sainsbury Wing will officially open to the public at 10 a.m. on May 10.
**Competition Details**
- Entrants must subscribe to the National Gallery’s newsletter by April 28 to participate in the competition.
- The winner will be chosen through a random draw and notified personally.
- Participants must be 18 years or older to enter.
**What to Expect**
• A private dinner for two at the newly opened Locatelli restaurant
• A private tour of the gallery led by the Director of Collections and Research, Christine Riding
• A special bed placed between two of the gallery’s most famous paintings
• A special breakfast basket
• A private tour of the gallery’s extensive collection
• The opportunity to wander the galleries alone, experiencing the art without the crowds
The National Gallery’s successful “Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers” exhibition in January 2024, which allowed visitors to explore the gallery overnight, paved the way for this unique experience. This event will be the first time in the gallery’s history that one lucky individual will sleep among the masterpieces for the entire night.
**Technical Details**
| Competition Date: | April 29 |
| Prize: | Private dinner for two and a private tour of the gallery led by Christine Riding |
| Eligibility: | 18 years or older |
“This is an incredible opportunity for one lucky person to experience the magic of the National Gallery,” said Christine Riding, Director of Collections and Research. “We are excited to offer this unique experience to our visitors and look forward to seeing the winner’s reaction when they discover they have won.”
“I would like to thank everyone who has been supporting the National Gallery throughout its history. This 200th anniversary is a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire and unite us.”
As part of its 200th anniversary celebrations, the National Gallery is also hosting various events and exhibitions that showcase the gallery’s extensive collection. From art lovers to those interested in history, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The National Gallery is open seven days a week and is free to visit. With its extensive collection of over 2,300 paintings, the gallery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art and history. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of art, the National Gallery is the perfect place to discover new masterpieces and learn about the artists who created them.