Symbolism in Art: A Private Tour of The National Gallery

London. WC2N 5DN

Tuesday 10 February 2026

11.45am to 1.30pm

Come and join us for this unique private tour of the National Gallery as we explore  'Symbolism in Art', with our expert guide Mariska Beekenkamp-Wladimiroff.

Symbolism in Art as centuries passed is a language of symbols developed so that artists could tell stories with deeper and more intricate emphasis, instantly understandable for an audience which did not always share the same spoken language and which was often illiterate. Even though many of these symbols are still in use today, modern audiences have lost the ability to recognise and read them. On this tour we dive into the deeper meaning hidden in works of art. We will learn how to read the secrets of different objects, forms, shapes and colours and the iconography associated with it. We will cover a wide range of art of diverse kinds and origins, and examine the fascinating and complex range of different symbols making it easier for you to interpret works of art without ever having to consult a label!

Our hour-long tour will focus on some of the pictures in the National Gallery, after which Mariska will host a Q&A session over lunch (cost not included in your ticket price). 

Mariska studied Art History at The Courtauld Institute of Art when her children were small. Prior to this, Mariska achieved a BA and an MA in Social Psychology and had worked in marketing and advertising. After completing her MA at The Courtauld, she started teaching as a college lecturer, but soon set up her own company Art Historical London, organising cultural lectures, tours and travel.

Places: 13

Cost: £25.00

This event is not accessible.