A wow factor for events 200 years in the making

National Gallery Birthday 200th event
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Kristyna O’Connell visits the National Gallery and gets put in the picture for how it paints a stunning and unique backdrop for events

Founded in 1824, the National Gallery has been known for its unparalleled art collection, attracting visitors from across the world. Starting with a collection of 38 paintings from the private collection of banker John Julius Angerstein, displayed in Angerstein’s townhouse at 100 Pall Mall, London, these paintings formed the core of what would become a world-class collection of over 2,300 works. From Leonardo Da Vinci to Vincent van Gogh, the drama and romance of the collection have made the gallery one of the sought-out venues for events. Successful past events include the BAFTA nominee party and London’s ‘Nat Gala’ with Celeste performing. Not to mention the gallery’s art, history, and atmosphere that has created a hotspot for private dinners beneath world-famous paintings.

Clare Arouche, the head of hospitality and events at the National Gallery, shared her insights on the historical significance through the last 200 years, the gallery’s rich history, and what makes it a unique and sought after events space.

Noting the historical significance of the gallery, Arouche mentions that during World War Two, the gallery’s paintings were evacuated to Manod Quarry in Wales to protect them from bombings, while the gallery’s website notes that Trafalgar Square served as a cultural hub, hosting temporary wartime exhibitions and groundbreaking lunchtime concerts led by Myra Hess to boost public morale. These efforts ensured that the gallery remained a vital part of London’s cultural life even in times of crisis.

Two hundred years on, the National Gallery dominates Trafalgar Square for visitors and delegates alike. Talking about the gallery’s capacity for events, Arouche revealed that the capacity for all galleries is 1,000 people, 300 for a sit-down dinner and 600 for a standing drinks reception. Private tours and experiences can be added, and the new Sainsbury Wing designed by Annabelle Selldorf, will add more spaces for conferences, with the lecture theatre coming back after its facelift in September 2025.

Arouche explained that weddings, corporates, private events and birthday parties are the most popular events hosted at the gallery, with most of their clients originating from the UK and North America. The gallery also offers a Corporate Membership scheme that enables organisations to engage with and entertain around temporary exhibitions hosted by the gallery, such as Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers and the newly added programme covering NG200 Bicentenary celebrations.

Hosting events in a 200-year-old venue surrounded by invaluable art dating back to 1263 may pose challenges of its own. Arouche discussed strict rules that are in place that must be abided by. These include no objects near the paintings, no corks to be decanted in the galleries, no red wine standing, and the height of objects needs to be considered, as nothing can be within falling distance of the art. The suppliers must be accredited to work for the gallery, and floral arrangements must be treated specially to ensure no bugs enter the grounds of the gallery. Amazing things can be done even with these rules in place, said Arouche, stating that clients understand the rules that come with booking events at such a historical venue.

In terms of sustainability, Arouche revealed that in 2022 the gallery underwent a consultation process with Julie’s Bicycle, a leading climate non-profit for the arts and culture sector, to begin their sustainability journey. Since then, the gallery has hired an environment and sustainability manager and is in the process of approving the resulting sustainability strategy for 2030. The gallery has had a strong focus historically on its buildings’ decarbonisation and waste operations reporting a 78% recycling rate during 2023.

On future events at the gallery, Arouche teased a high profile ‘A list’ singer performing in June, with more exclusive events to come.

When Arouche was asked what makes the National Gallery unique, she said: “The art is what’s unique, and the building, and our location. Trafalgar Square is an incredible place to be. It’s just a no brainer that people would want to host events at the National Gallery, you walk in, and you’ve got this beautiful staircase, the beautiful entrance, the portico terrace. Then you get into the galleries and they’re even more beautiful. Every step you take, you’re a bit wowed on all of the journey.”

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