The National Gallery in London is extending its opening hours throughout summer 2025, remaining open until 7pm daily from 3 July to 31 August, with its usual late opening on Fridays until 9pm. The initiative, called National Gallery Summertime, responds to audience demand for more flexible visiting hours, particularly for Londoners and commuters who cannot visit during traditional daytime hours. The gallery’s food and drink venues will also stay open during the extended hours.
The move matters because the National Gallery has struggled to recover visitor numbers to pre-pandemic levels, and the late opening aims to attract first-time visitors and offer a relaxed evening cultural experience. By allowing more time to view art, attend exhibitions, and enjoy dining overlooking Trafalgar Square, the gallery is adapting to changing audience habits and seeking to boost footfall during the busy summer season.