The National Gallery in London is turning the page to an extraordinary new chapter with its major redisplay, C C Land: The Wonder of Art.
From 10 May 2025, visitors will be able to experience over 1,000 works in a spectacular reimagining of the gallery’s collection. It promises to be nothing short of breathtaking, combining centuries-old masterpieces with fresh loans and a modern, approachable visitor experience. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or someone looking to dip their toe into the world of artistic marvels, this exhibition might just redefine what “a day at the gallery” means.
More Than a Collection – A Chronological Journey
Art aficionados love a bit of structure, and The Wonder of Art offers just that with a broadly chronological arrangement. The medieval and Renaissance masterpieces will find a home in the newly transformed Sainsbury Wing, while later works will be displayed in the iconic Wilkins Building. Alongside this timeline of artistic evolution, the redisplay will feature thematic highlights such as The Spectacle of Portraiture, Flowers, and Still Life, offering visitors a fresh way to interact with the works.
But it’s not just about rearrangement. Some paintings will make their glorious returns after years of restoration, like the Pollaiuolo brothers’ The Martyrdom of San Sebastian (1475) and Jan van Eyck’s Portrait of a Man (Self Portrait?) (1433), promising to wow us with their renewed vibrancy.
The Masters—And a Few Surprises
For the first time in the National Gallery’s history, visitors can see works by certain artists grouped in dedicated, single-artist rooms. Names like Titian, Monet, and Rubens come to the fore, offering a deeper exploration of their genius. Equally exciting is the focus on Charles I as a collector, complete with major loans from the Royal Collection.
The exhibition doesn’t just try to dazzle with big names like Van Gogh and Rembrandt, though (although it does that spectacularly). It also seeks to show how the greats gained inspiration from one another. Pairings like Vigée Le Brun’s Self Portrait in a Straw Hat (1782) alongside Rubens’s Portrait of Susanna Lunden (c.1622?5) remind us that art is as much about legacy as it is creation.
A New Way to See Art
To truly enrich the visitor experience, The Wonder of Art will include a modern, layered approach to interpretation. Forget the days of squinting at tiny text panels—you can now access a wealth of information however you like. Scan a painting with your phone for in-depth digital content, listen to thoughtful perspectives on the audio guide, or stick with the iconic wall labels that have been enhanced for clarity and inclusivity.
Accessibility is also at the forefront of the National Gallery’s mission, with free interpretive materials catering to a range of access needs. Whether you’re picking up a printed guide or hearing the story of oil pastels in dynamic audio, the gallery’s new approach ensures no visitor feels left behind.
Transformation in Progress
Of course, such an ambitious project means a bit of upheaval. The redisplay is being rolled out in stages, which means some gallery rooms will temporarily close between now and 2025. But fear not—most spaces will remain open, and the end result will be worth the wait. This isn’t just a reshuffling of paintings; it’s a two-year metamorphosis designed to catapult the National Gallery into its third century with flair.
Mark Your Calendars
It’s official. From May 2025, C C Land: The Wonder of Art is set to become one of London’s most talked-about artistic experiences. With its exquisite blend of classics, fresh loans, and innovative storytelling, this redisplay invites visitors to see art in a new light—and perhaps even fall in love with it all over again.
Grab your diary, circle the date, and prepare to immerse yourself in the wonder. The National Gallery is waiting to inspire.