Film explores famous London gallery

The National Gallery of London is one of the world’s greatest art galleries.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House will present My National Gallery, London, a special cinematic exploration of London’s National Gallery and the treasures it contains, on Saturday at 1 p.m. The screening is part of the Opera House’s Arts in the Afternoon series of events, sponsored by Dr. James M. and Marcia Merrins.

The National Gallery of London is one of the world’s greatest art galleries. It is full of masterpieces, an endless resource of history, an endless source of stories. But whose stories are told? Which art has the most impact, and on whom? The power of great art lies in its ability to communicate with anyone, no matter their art historical knowledge, their background, or their beliefs.

This cinematic production gives voice to those who work at the gallery – from cleaner to curator, security guard to director – who identify the one artwork that means the most to them and why. An assortment of people from all walks of life who have a strong connection to the gallery make surprising choices of both well-known and lesser-known artworks. Finally, some well-known celebrities explain what they head for when they visit the gallery.

These stories are used as a lens through which to explore the 200-year history of the National Gallery and what the future may hold for this spectacular space.

The production runs approximately one hour, 30 minutes.

Individual tickets are $15 and $10 students. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday-Friday, noon to 4:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online anytime at www.fredopera.org. Opera House programming is made possible, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.

For this production, the Opera House is equipped with assistive listening headsets for the hearing-impaired. Simply request one from any usher or Opera House staff member.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to “present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region … providing access to artistic diversity … and high quality programming at an affordable price.” It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.