I spent most of an afternoon at the National Gallery, delighting in its excellence. The exhibitions are thoughtfully designed, scholarly in content, with carefully selected art on display. Labels are clear and straightforward. No expense is spared in borrowing the right pieces, building exquisite displays, and taking care of them. The building is flawlessly maintained. Visitors seem enthralled by every exhibit. There’s nothing adventurous here, nothing new; it’s old-fashioned art history at its best.