For centuries, the National Gallery has stood as a symbol of tradition, culture, and stability in London’s landmark scene. Thousands of visitors from around the world come to experience the masterpieces housed behind its magnificent doors in Trafalgar Square, ready to be immersed in its beauty and breathtaking wonder.
Kristyna O’Connell, venue correspondent for Conference News took a tour of the new event spaces at the gallery and spoke with Clare Arouche, head of hospitality and events at The National Gallery about the galleries’ new additions.
Taste the art
Opened in May 2025, the Sainsbury Wing and its additions mark a new era for the gallery, where art takes centre stage, and every sense is engaged. This is art you can taste, touch, and immerse yourself in completely.
The gallery’s collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli has brought prestige to the venue, encouraging visitors to linger. Alongside the Locatelli restaurant and bar, guests can enjoy the Ochre Brasserie, Muriel’s Kitchen, Bar Giorgio for coffee and classic Italian maritozzi buns, and the espresso bar by Muriel’s.
Clare Arouche says: “Our dining spaces are carefully designed to reflect the aesthetics of the gallery. For example, our restaurant Ochre, named after a pigment prevalent in many paintings within the National Gallery’s collection, is themed around hues of yellow, gold, and brown to enhance the ambience and create a meaningful connection with the gallery.”
Feel the art
In addition to incorporating food into the gallery’s blueprint, it has integrated mindfulness into its offering. Arouche says: “We have introduced a Mindfulness Package for team-building days or reflective sessions. Participants can engage in guided meditation within the Gallery, immersing themselves in the narrative, colours, and emotions of a chosen painting. This experience is designed to inspire a sense of calm and creativity, connecting mindfulness to the art.”
A recent survey at the gallery revealed that 43% of respondents believe mindfulness enhances ROI by improving focus and retention. These insights were reinforced during a roundtable we hosted with industry experts, who shared the idea that mindfulness works best when integrated into the event experience, rather than being treated as an afterthought. This approach is all about creating natural pauses and human-centred environments, says Arouche.
Experience the art
One of the most notable updates is the new, brighter entrance, which makes the space feel more welcoming from the moment visitors arrive. A new magnificent staircase, restaurants, gift shops and 322-seat lecture theatre for conferences and events.
Arouche says: “We’ve redesigned the ground-floor foyer, creating a double-height space that’s spacious and flooded with daylight, making it feel open and inviting. In addition, we’ve streamlined our security checkpoints to be more minimal and discreet, which has reduced the queues and physical barriers, creating a smoother, more enjoyable experience from the moment you enter.”
The lecture theatre offers a fully accessible main stage and state-of-the-art AV facilities for presentations, conferences, film screenings, award ceremonies, product launches, and more. The lecture theatre foyer can be included for receptions, networking, and catering. New daytime event spaces are also opened on the first floor for business meetings and events with upgraded AV facilities.
Supporters House is dedicated for the gallery supporters and members. Out of hours, the space is available for venue hire with its own bar, private dining room, lounge, and event space for up to 100 guests.
The private dining room can seat 12 people, with a salon that can be hired for small teambuilding days, intimate branded events, and product launches.
Art and beyond
Speaking to Arouche, she shared her vison for the future. She says:
“In the next five years, we’re aiming to broaden and diversify our audience, in the hope that the National Gallery becomes a place where more people from all walks of life feel welcome, not just traditional art lovers, but also younger audiences, multicultural communities, and first-time visitors.
We also aim to redefine the visitor experience. We envision the Gallery as a dynamic, multi-sensory space where food, media, events, and education seamlessly intersect with the art. Our goal is to create an environment that’s constantly evolving, with a focus on both engagement and enjoyment.
Lastly, we hope to ensure the long-term cultural sustainability of the Gallery. While blockbuster shows will continue to be a part of our offerings, our focus is on building sustained engagement with our communities and partners. By doing so, we can secure the Gallery’s future and continue to be a space of inspiration for generations to come.”
Come to the National Gallery to feel the art, not just see it.
