WHAT? The Wonder of Art

WHERE? The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

WHEN? Now and ongoing, Free to visit 

WHY GO? For an art fest.  It truly is a wonder of art and architecture that the new Sainsbury Wing has finally opened after a two year long mega revamp and rehanging of all the wondrous works of art that this majestic gallery displays,1,000 and that's just for starters! 

Pristine, light and airy, the new Wing is now the main entrance. Modern and inviting, visitors are welcomed by a huge screen rotating old favourites such as The Fighting Temeraire by Turner.  

There are sleek seats to sip a coffee beforehand and bijoux gift shops reflecting current major exhibitions like Siena: The Rise of Painting which closes on 22nd June.

Up the grand central staircase, which is lighter and brighter than before, there’s a dramatic fresco, Mud Sun which has actually been created in mud from the river Avon by artist Richard Long, an artwork that definitely divides opinion!

And for dedicated art lovers the numerous galleries of glorious treasures have been ambitiously rehung and are easier to navigate.

Finally over in the Central Hall, two new portraits of the King and Queen are on view for the first time before being dispatched off to their permanent home in Buckingham Palace on 5th June.

Specially commissioned to mark the second anniversary of the Coronation, artists Peter Kuhfeld and Paul S. Benney were personally chosen by the King and Queen and both paintings are old-school regal and classic.

IN THE KNOW Admirably, despite the spectacular £85m refurb, The National Gallery’s permanent collections are still free for all to appreciate. However, continuing their extensive Bicentenary programme, a new dedicated Supporters House will open on 2nd June for members and patrons to meet in an intimate salon space, enjoy curator conversations and book private dining events.