National Gallery limits admissions to Da Vinci show
The National Gallery in London will only admit a limited number of visitors to its Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition, set to begin later this year.
Only 180 visitors will be admitted every half hour, although the gallery can legally admit 50 more.
The reason for this move is the gallery's desire to avoid overcrowding, which can negatively affect the viewing experience. According to a statement, the decision to limit admissions came as a response to comments from visitors at the gallery.
The exhibition, featuring some of the great works of Leonardo Da Vinci, is scheduled to take place between November 9, 2011 and February 5, 2012. Tickets can be booked starting with Tuesday, May 10.
The National Gallery has released a statement saying that they expect an "unprecedented" ticket demand and recommend booking in advance for those who wish to see the paintings.
In order to compensate for limiting admissions, the gallery has decided to keep the exhibition open on January 1, 2012. In addition, it will prolong opening hours so that it should be possible for more visitors to admire Da Vinci's masterpieces.
"Leonardo Da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan" will be the title of the exhibition, which is expected to attract large numbers of visitors. Over 60 works by Da Vinci will be shown.
The gallery says that the exhibition will include the biggest number of Da Vinci's surviving works, some of which will be displayed for the first time in Britain. The focus of the exhibition will be Leonardo's career as a Milan court painter.
Among the paintings featured in the exhibition will be "The Lady with an Ermine", one of the most famous of Da Vinci's works. It is a portrait of Cecillia Gallerani, mistress of the Duke of Milan at the time when Leonardo was court painter.
The exhibition will also include the "Belle Ferronniere", or "Portrait of an Unknown Woman". Another highlight will be "Virgin of the Rocks", a recently restored painting that resides at the National Gallery.
A full-scale copy of "The Last Supper", courtesy of The Royal Academy of Arts, will also be on display. However, despite speculation to the contrary, the "Mona Lisa" won't be included in the exhibition.
"Leonardo Da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan" will open on November 9 at the National Gallery in London. Tickets can be booked in advance.
