The National Gallery was founded, thanks to King George IV, who demanded the government to acquire a collection of 38 paintings, among whom were six works of Hogarth. Paintings by Rubens, Rembrandt and other Flemish, Dutch and Italian Renaissance artists were acquired later on as the gallery has expanded. Today she is the center of world art. Near the National Gallery is the National Portrait Gallery, which is one of the first to recognize the role of photography in art. In 1897. opened Tate Gallery, which houses a collection of works of British artists, including Turner. The collection dates back to 1850. and includes a picture of Hogarth, Blake, artists' pre-Rafaelistov "and the Impressionists. The walls are decorated restaurant Rex Uaystlerom and bronze statues by sculptor Henry Moore's stand near the museum. The British Museum, one of the largest museums in the world, was founded by a bequest of Sir Hans Sloane at 1753g. When he insisted that Parliament has acquired its art collection, works of ancient art and natural history for 20,000 pounds, which was much lower than the present price . At the same time acquired a collection of manuscripts Harleyna, and January 15 1759g. A new museum was opened, but only for a few people. In 1823. The Royal Library was built, which later added onto the new premises and a round reading room under the big copper dome. In the museum are ancient works of art, from the newly discovered treasures of the Roman period to the copies of the "Magna Carta", the Parthenon sculptures and ancient Egyptian mummies.