The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square has announced a unique opportunity for a member of the public to spend the night in the museum for the first time as a special event coinciding with the reopening of the Sainsbury Wing following its two-year refurbishment. The event will take place on May 9, 2023, and marks a significant moment for the gallery, which is preparing to celebrate its 200th anniversary.
To select the fortunate individual, the gallery is launching a prize draw that will be open until 6pm on April 28. The winner will be bestowed with the rare chance to rest on a bed positioned near some of the gallery's most celebrated early Renaissance paintings. This includes masterpieces such as Piero della Francesca’s "Baptism of Christ," Jacopo di Cione's 14th-century "The San Pier Maggiore Altarpiece," and Paolo Uccello's recently restored "The Battle Of San Romano." The bed itself is part of the Marks & Spencer X National Gallery collection, designed to create an immersive experience in the artwork-laden environment of the Sainsbury Wing.
In addition to this unusual overnight stay, the winner will also receive a dinner for two at Locatelli, a new restaurant set to be launched in the museum under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli. After their dining experience, the winner will enjoy a private tour of the exhibition titled "CC Land: The Wonder of Art," which comprises a curated re-display of the gallery's collection, covering the span of Western European art from the 13th to the 20th centuries. This exhibition includes works by renowned artists such as Claude Monet, Titian, Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, Rembrandt van Rijn, and Thomas Gainsborough, each showcased in dedicated rooms.
Upon waking on May 10, the chosen individual will be treated to a breakfast hamper before being granted exclusive access to explore the Sainsbury Wing prior to its official re-opening to the public at 10am. Current subscribers to the gallery's newsletter will be automatically entered into the draw, while others can participate through the National Gallery's website.
This initiative follows the gallery’s previous experience of being opened overnight during the "Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers" exhibition in January, which allowed slots for visitors to access the gallery from 9pm to 10am. The current event seeks to enhance public engagement with art and celebrate the heritage of one of London’s most storied institutions.
Source: Noah Wire Services