# The National Gallery vs Natural History Museum

> The National Gallery and Natural History Museum are two of London's essential museums — one an art museum, the other a natural history museum. Here is how they compare on admission, highlights, and time needed.

## Choose The National Gallery if…
Choose The National Gallery for The Arnolfini Portrait and The Virgin of the Rocks — standard admission is free. Allow 2–3 hours.

## Choose Natural History Museum if…
Choose Natural History Museum for Hope the Blue Whale and T. rex Animatronic — standard admission is free. Allow 2–3 hours.

## Visiting both
Both are in London. Their suggested visits (2–3 hours and 2–3 hours) fit into one full day if you start early.

- The National Gallery: https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/national-gallery-london/
- Natural History Museum: https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/natural-history-museum-london/

Updated 2026-07-18. Source: https://worldmuseumguide.org/compare/national-gallery-london-vs-natural-history-museum-london/ — World Museum Guide.