Forget wine-pairing, discover art-pairing at the National Gallery

# tags: Venues , Events , London

If you receive an invitation for an event at the National Gallery in London, one is quick to RSVP, it’s as simple as that! The history, the grandeur, the art and the address are just some of the reasons why event planners are pointing their clients to this magnificent London attraction.

This world-class gallery isn’t just a home for masterpieces, it’s also one of the city’s most iconic settings for private events. Set in the heart of Trafalgar Square, its monumental architecture and distinguished atmosphere instantly elevates any occasion, whether it’s an awards ceremony, conference, elegant reception or intimate dinner.

Exclusivity with the ‘Wow-Factor’

By day, the National Gallery buzzes with international visitors admiring the collection of 2,300 masterpieces, but when night falls and the public is ushered out, the refined spaces come alive for memorable private events. I have been lucky enough to have had several such invites drop into my inbox.

A case-in-point – The 2025 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. The scene was set as soon as I, and other guests were brought up the portico steps for views over Trafalgar Square, before entering through the Portico Terrace into a grand, colonnaded foyer and onward past the gallery’s many striking architectural features.

The world’s foremost leaders in travel eagerly spread through the gallery, enjoying behind-the-scenes tours of the world-class collection of art. This offered time and space to be up close with the unique paintings. All the while, appreciating the elegant domed glass ceilings, stately marble pillars, and the neo-classical halls which hark back to 1824 when the National Gallery was founded.

Before the awards took place, the waiting staff swirled between guests with canapes during the pre-awards reception. Drink stations cordoned off backstage areas and guided guests to the main event. Guests could then enjoy gourmet cuisine, opera and celebrity entertainment as host British broadcaster Simon Reeve, presented the many awards.

Artwork as ‘Menu’ inspiration

After the opening of the redeveloped Sainsbury’s wing, the venue teamed-up with Giorgio Locatelli, the renowned Italian Chef to create ‘Osteria Locatelli’ – offering modern Italian dining and whose culinary tentacles spread across the venue, including the dining spaces in the new Supporter’s House.

The artwork is a continual source of inspiration to tailor a bespoke menu for any type and style of event. Certainly the National Gallery has played a significant role in shaping Giorgio Locatelli’s artistic vision, especially through the powerful work of Caravaggio (1571-1610), whose bold and often provocative paintings continue to captivate audiences. The restaurant’s menu draws on the rich cultural heritage and creative atmosphere of its distinguished setting.

This was the case when recently sitting down in the private dining room (for up to 12 guests) of the newly opened Supporters House. The in-house chef’s channelled the Locatelli vision into our menu, with influence from “The Supper at Emmaus” by Caravaggio, incorporating the fig, grape, bread and oil onto our plates.

The Supporter’s House has been curated to provide an elegant space for members to relax and have a lunch or drink before setting-off into the gallery. A separate entrance accessed from Trafalgar square, alongside a host of member benefits, including a member-specific events will set one back £130 for the year.

From movie premiere parties to the future

The National Gallery has hosted events such as the post premiere party for The Devil Wears Prada 2, the FOX premiere of The Faithful, Amazon's premiere of The Girlfriend and the London launch of the latest season of The Real Housewives of London. The fact that the upper balcony of Trafalgar Square can sometimes be incorporated for the red-carpet entrance of these parties, is another huge selling point.

The opening of the newly redeveloped Sainsbury’s wing and Supporter’s House is positioning the National Gallery for generations to come and will be shortly followed by a major new development. Estimated to cost £750 million, ‘Project Domani’ is planned for the St Vincent House site between Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square. This will be a new wing to allow an expansion of the art collection, but also additional event spaces, including an amazing rooftop area.

Whether you are an event planner or art lover, this unique venue and institution is a guaranteed head-turner. I am looking forward to the next invite to this London Landmark, to which my RSVP will be ‘Yes Please’!.