World · Europe · 4 hrs ago
National Gallery publishes public assembly’s recommendations
The National Gallery in London published recommendations from a 55-person citizens’ assembly formed to advise on the museum’s future.
Participants met in five sessions between November 2025 and March 2026 to discuss what the gallery should offer and how it could bring people and paintings together.
They said the museum should make its collection better reflect the diversity of the UK and give more information about its history, representation and the context of its art.
The assembly also urged the gallery to use technology for personalised visits, especially for groups who are under-represented among its visitors.
Its recommendations address how a free public gallery can balance commercial opportunities with its wider social role and efforts to reach new audiences.
Smaller panels will work with the gallery from 2026 to 2030 to oversee the ideas, but the museum has not yet said which recommendations it will adopt.
The National Gallery in London has published recommendations from its citizens’ assembly, NG Citizens.
The assembly said the gallery should better reflect the UK, explain the context and history of its collection, and expand commercial opportunities.
It also recommended using technology to support personalised visits, particularly for under-represented groups.
Fifty-five participants developed the recommendations during five sessions held between November 2025 and March 2026.
Smaller panels are due to work with the gallery on implementing the ideas from 2026 to 2030.
- Who
- The National Gallery in London and 55 participants in its NG Citizens assembly.
- What
- The gallery published a report setting out the assembly’s recommendations for its future policy and direction.
- When
- The report was published on 9 November 2026. The assembly held five sessions between November 2025 and March 2026.
- Where
- The National Gallery in London; the assembly included members of the public from across the UK.
- Why
- To advise the museum on its future policy and direction and how it can bring people and paintings together.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The National Gallery announced the NG Citizens initiative.
Fifty-five participants took part in five assembly sessions and developed recommendations.
Three cohorts of smaller panels are planned to work with the gallery on implementing the ideas.
The National Gallery published the assembly’s recommendations.
- Participants
- 55
- Assembly sessions
- Five, held between November 2025 and March 2026
- Initiative
- NG Citizens
- Planned panel period
- 2026 to 2030
- Recommendations
- Expand commercial opportunities and use technology for personalised itineraries
What people are saying
a mandate to be brave
quite remarkable
bold and brave enough