National Portrait Gallery
London Learn more about what's on at National Portrait Gallery and the artists shaping its programme.The National Portrait Gallery is a major art museum in central London dedicated to telling the story of Britain through portraits. Founded in 1856 as a public institution devoted exclusively to portraiture, it has become a key reference point for understanding British history through images of the people who shaped it. The Gallery sits just off Trafalgar Square, adjoining the National Gallery, in a building originally designed in an Italian Renaissance style by architect Ewan Christian and opened on this site in the mid-1890s.
Today, the National Portrait Gallery looks after what it describes as “the world’s greatest collection of portraits”, spanning painting, sculpture, photography, prints, film and digital media. The collection includes around 215,000 works, from Tudor panel paintings to contemporary commissions, and is displayed to tell a chronological story of Britain from the Tudor period to the present day. Following a major redevelopment project—billed as the most significant since the Gallery opened on its current site—the museum reopened to the public on 22 June 2023, with reconfigured galleries, a new entrance and an enhanced visitor experience.
As a national institution, the National Portrait Gallery plays an important role in shaping how British history and identity are visualised and debated, both on site and through its touring, digital and learning programmes.
Art and Exhibitions at National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery focuses on portraits of people who have made significant contributions to British life, including across politics, the arts, science, sport and popular culture. Visitors encounter works ranging from portraits of Tudor monarchs, through figures such as Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Jane Austen, Thomas Carlyle and others, to contemporary sitters captured by leading photographers and artists. The displays allowing visitors to follow shifts in British history, society and representation across centuries.
Recent exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery have explored both historic portrait traditions and contemporary perspectives on identity and representation, and upcoming programmes continue to highlight diverse figures from across the UK’s past and present.
National Portrait Gallery FAQs
What is National Portrait Gallery known for?
The National Portrait Gallery is known for housing the national collection of portraits of people who have shaped British history and culture, from the Tudor period to today. The Gallery was the first public institution devoted entirely to portraiture and is widely recognised for the depth and range of its collection, which encompasses painting, sculpture, photography, film and new media.
What kind of art can I see at National Portrait Gallery?
The National Portrait Gallery presents portraits of historically significant figures connected to Britain, rather than general subject-based art. Visitors see works spanning Tudor panel paintings, Georgian and Victorian oil portraits, modern and contemporary painting and sculpture, and an important collection of photography and works on paper, alongside time-based media that chart changing approaches to portraiture.
Where is National Portrait Gallery located?
The National Portrait Gallery is located at St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE, in the heart of central London. The building sits just north of Trafalgar Square, adjoining the National Gallery, and is within easy walking distance of Charing Cross, Leicester Square and Embankment underground and rail connections, making it straightforward to reach from across the city.
What are National Portrait Gallery’s opening hours?
The National Portrait Gallery is usually open daily from 10:30 to 18:00, with extended hours until 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Opening times may change for special events, public holidays or exceptional circumstances, so visitors should always check the latest information on the Gallery’s official website before planning their visit.
How do I buy tickets for National Portrait Gallery?
The National Portrait Gallery offers free admission to its main collection, and no ticket is required for general entry. Some special exhibitions, tours and events may be ticketed, and these can usually be booked online through the Gallery’s website or, subject to availability, in person on the day. Visitors should consult the site for current prices, concessions and booking policies.
Does National Portrait Gallery offer tours, audio guides, or public programmes?
The National Portrait Gallery typically offers a range of public programmes, including talks, learning activities and other events, and it also provides interpretation and resources designed to help visitors explore the collection in depth. Specific offerings—such as guided tours, audio guides or family activities—can vary over time, so visitors should refer to the Gallery’s website for details and schedules.
Artworks by National Portrait Gallery Artists
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