Cosplay at the National Gallery

Step into stories and see what happens next.

Come as your favourite superhero, a figure from myth or film, or someone inspired by a favourite painting in the Gallery.

You’re invited to arrive in full costume—or just with a simple accessory such as a shawl, hat, or pair of gloves. Even a simple accessory can shift how you feel, how you move, and how others see you.

 We’ll be based in Room 32, exploring works such as Caravaggio’s The Supper at Emmaus (1601) and Luca Giordano’s Perseus turning Phineus and his Followers to Stone (c. 1680s), where these dramatic, narrative‑rich paintings will act as springboards for storytelling, improv and embodied interpretation.

Join art historian Gayna Pelham, who will introduce our focus paintings—sharing stories, characters, symbols and emotional dynamics—before guiding participants through a series of relaxed, optional activities. You’ll be invited to inhabit roles, strike poses, direct or narrate scenes and improvise dialogue in response to the artworks.

You will also learn that even putting on something as simple as a pair of gloves or a hat can completely change how you feel and move, and how others perceive you. Do come fully dressed up but also don’t worry if you have only something very simple to bring.

All activities are optional, and you can take part at whatever level feels comfortable—perform, speak, pose, direct, or simply watch. No acting experience is needed. Whether you want to recreate a pose, explore a character’s inner world, or simply enjoy watching others bring the paintings to life, you’re welcome.

If possible,email events@forarthistory.org.uk by 7 October to let us know what you are planning to dress up as. This helps us prepare.

Meeting point: Sainsbury Wing Entrance. We’ll meet just inside the Sainsbury Wing entrance by the glass windows on the right, close to the stairs.

Suitable for: Designed with young people (13–21 years) and their parents in mind, but open to all. Under‑16s should attend with an accompanying adult. The session is fully supervised and takes place in public gallery spaces throughout.

Costume Guidance

To comply with the Gallery’s visitor regulations and security practice—which require clear identification and safe movement in rooms containing fragile artworks—please follow the guidance below when planning what to wear:

 What’s welcome

• Creative outfits inspired by superheroes, myths, films, or paintings
• Simple accessories such as shawls, hats, gloves, capes, scarves
• Small eye masks that can be easily removed
• Makeup or face paint (non‑transferable, non‑flaking)
• Light, non‑obstructive costume elements that allow easy movement
• Decorative headpieces that do not obscure vision

 What to avoid

• Full face masks — for security and visibility reasons, the National Gallery does not permit full face‑covering masks or helmets that obscure facial features or limit peripheral vision
• Revealing clothing — outfits should be suitable for a public gallery with mixed audiences
• Oversized, long, sharp, or bulky props (e.g., staves, swords, shields, wings, large bags). Props must not risk touching artworks.
• Trailing drapery that could be tripped over

Places are limited. Please book early to avoid disappointment.