While I agree with the American visitor from Sunnyvale, CA that the National Gallery does contain lots of second-rate art (and a few "unfinished pieces"), it also has some of the greatest masterpieces of Western art in its vast collections. I made two visits to the Gallery in early April, and both times it was somewhat crowded (mainly school groups from France). Many of the works from the Low Countries, France, Italy and Britain are masterpieces that art lovers will easily recognize. The Rubens were incredible! Don't plan to see it all in one visit - each of the four wings will take appox. 90 minutes to view! The view from the front steps is also priceless!

We visited the National Gallery in March 2004 and greatly enjoyed the experience. By all means, obtain one of the audio tour guides. They are free, but a donation is requested. I gave 10 pounds for four of us and was treated like a visiting tycoon, so you can probably get away with less. Virtually every picture is assigned a number, which you enter into the audio device to hear a minute or two of commentary. It allows you to create your own tour, choosing the works you like. Better than a guided tour, in that you can take in more pictures and you are not part of a large group straining to hear the tour guide and to see the picture. Comically, I found only one picture without commentary. It was an old and quite graphic depiction of Zeus, in the form of a swan, consorting with Leda. I suppose they couldn't think of any thing to say about that one. By the way, entry to the museum is free.

Other than those works by Britsh painters (Constable, etc.), many of the works are unfinished - some are very unfinished. Its as if the curators raided the dustbins of the old masters (and some less-than-masters). Its interesting, but see the Tate first.