The National Gallery houses one of the richest and most extensive collections of painting in the world. It stands to the north of Trafalgar Square. The gallery was designed by William Wilkins and built in 834-37. The collection covers all schools and periods of painting, but is especially famous for its examples of Rembrant and Rubens. The British schools are only moderately represented as national collections are shared with the Tate Gallery. The National Gallery was founded in 1824 when the government bought the collection of John Angerstein which included 38 paintings.

The Tate Gallery houses the national collection of British painting from the 16th century to the present day. It is also the national gallery for modern art, including paintings and sculpture made in Britain, Europe, America and other countries. It was opened in 1897 as the National Gallery of British art. It owes its establishment to Suie Henritate who built the gallery and gave his own collection of 65 paintings.