National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery tells Britain's story person by person. Begin with Tudors-Holbein's world of power-and seek out NPG 1, the debated 'Chandos' Shakespeare. Newly reopened after a £41m renewal, the route flows cleanly to the present, where contemporary sitters broaden who is seen and how. Tracey Emin's bronze doors of 45 women set the tone before you step inside. Labels reveal artist-sitter pairings and why each face matters. Entry is free; book ahead for smooth arrival. Allow 60-90 minutes for a thoughtful loop, then drift to Trafalgar Square or the National Gallery next door to keep the conversation going.
Opening Hours
What's not to miss inside?
Emin Entrance
45 bronze ‘everywomen’Tracey Emin’s 2023 bronze doors - 45 female faces - welcome you to the refreshed Gallery.
📍 Ross Place, main doors
Tudor Power
Earliest painted portraitSee the 1505 panel of Henry VII and Holbein’s court circle that set the Tudor image machine in motion.
📍 Tudor galleries
NPG 1: Shakespeare
First work acquiredThe ‘Chandos portrait’ was the Gallery’s first acquisition in 1856 - and the most argued-over face in English letters.
📍 Early modern rooms
Faces of Now
Rehang after 2023 refitFrom Malala to Marcus Rashford and Amy Winehouse, recent portraits show a changing, diverse Britain.
📍 Contemporary rooms
Gallery Flow
Refurbished circulationThe £41m renewal re-planned the route so history unfolds people-first, era by era.
📍 New entrance route
Inspire your Friends
- Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery was the first gallery in the world devoted to portraits of famous people.
- After a £41m redevelopment, the Gallery reopened in June 2023 with a new Ross Place entrance and Tracey Emin’s bronze doors of 45 women.
- Victoria Siddall was appointed Director in 2024, succeeding Nicholas Cullinan.
- The ‘Chandos portrait’ of Shakespeare (NPG 1) was the Gallery’s first acquisition in 1856.
- The refurbished hang includes contemporary icons - from Malala Yousafzai to Kate Moss - alongside historic greats.
