National Gallery Celebrates Bicentenary with Nationwide Art Tour

In celebration of its 200th anniversary, the National Gallery in London lent 12 of its most famous and beloved paintings to venues across the UK. In the beginning of May, the "National Treasures" exhibition enabled people from various regions to view some of the greatest masterpieces of modern art close to home.

The initiative aimed to make these renowned artworks accessible to a wider audience, with over half the UK population within an hour’s rail journey of a National Gallery masterpiece. This marked a significant moment for art lovers, as paintings like Constable’s "The Hay Wain," Turner’s "The Fighting Temeraire," and Monet’s "The Water-Lily Pond" were displayed in regional centers across the country.

For the first time since their acquisition, The Wilton Diptych and Botticelli’s "Venus and Mars" also left the Gallery to be part of this special exhibition. The "National Treasures" project was a key highlight of the yearlong celebrations marking the National Gallery’s bicentenary, which opened in London in 1824.

The 12 masterpieces were on loan for periods ranging from two to four months. The final exhibitions conclude on September 10, 2024. This presented a rare chance for the public to experience these works in new and varied settings, providing a fresh perspective on familiar pieces.

This initiative not only commemorated the National Gallery’s two centuries of history but also reinforced its mission to make art accessible to all, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts across the nation. It`s a unique opportunity to witness some of the greatest works of modern art as they traveled beyond their traditional home in Trafalgar Square.