Frederick Wiseman, a renowned master of the long-form documentary, takes the time to inhabit his subjects. His most recent film — National Gallery, which opens on Wednesday for a two-week engagement at the Film Forum in New York City — is no exception: It’s a leisurely three-hour visit to London’s National Gallery, one of the world’s greatest art museums.

At the center of the film, naturally, are the works of art on display at the museum. In some cases, we see docents discussing them; in others, they are presented without comment. There are also behind-the-scenes segments depicting the work of art restorers, and of museum administrators as they discuss matters of publicity and museum philosophy. I could have done with less of this behind-the-scenes “human-interest” material, and also of the reaction shots of museum visitors as they contemplate the works of art; a little would serve as a palate cleanser between artworks, but more than a little ends up feeling like padding.

But this is a minor cavil. The vast majority of this film is a contemplative experience of some great masterpieces of Western art, and I strongly recommend it.