Frederick Wiseman’s latest in-depth documentary takes the audience behind the scenes of a London institution, on a journey to the heart of a museum inhabited by masterpieces of Western art from the Middle Ages to the 19th Century. National Gallery is the portrait of a place, its way of working and relations with the world, its staff and public, and its paintings. In a perpetual and dizzying game of mirrors, film watches painting watches film.

“fascinating in its pinpoint detail and transporting in its cosmic reach. . . Mr. Wiseman’s touch is deft but light here, and the experience of watching “National Gallery” is pleasurable and immersive because he’s a wonderful storyteller.” —The New York Times

“National Gallery is Wiseman’s most beautiful documentary since La Danse” —The Stranger

“In every frame of National Gallery you sense his craftsman’s respect for the curators, scholars, conservators, docents, installation guys, and even the floor sweepers. . .letting Wiseman in the building proves to be a genius PR move. Watch the movie and you’ll want to visit. And though it’s reasonable for Seattle viewers to ask whether their three hours might be more fruitfully spent at one of our local museums, I’d argue that National Gallery will enhance your next visit.” —Seattle Weekly

“magic’s at play throughout National Gallery” —The Seattle Times