What Visitors Say
The National Portrait Gallery is an inspirational gallery to engage, enrich and inspire any trip to London. Filled with remarkable paintings that tell so many stories of disruptors, innovators, monarchs and vagabonds, it's a visual tour of the past which also provides a glimpse of possible futures. If you're in this part of London I highly recommend a visit. The National Portrait Gallery is a memorable experience.
Absolutely wonderful, filled with masterpieces that bring tons of tourists to London but it’s never so crowded that you don’t get a chance to stare at the artwork and appreciate the art. A must if you are in London. You look to your right and there’s Van Gogh, to your left and there’s Monet, you turn round and there’s Velazques. Marvellous in every way!
The National Portrait Gallery in London is an exceptional place to visit and a true cultural highlight of the city. Recently reopened, the gallery is beautifully designed, with light-filled spaces that make exploring the collection both comfortable and inspiring. Entry is free, and booking a ticket in advance helps ensure a smooth and relaxed visit. The collection itself is outstanding, offering a fascinating journey through British history told through people rather than events. From iconic Tudor portraits of figures like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I to modern cultural icons such as David Bowie and members of the Royal Family, every room feels engaging and thoughtfully curated. It’s impressive how the gallery connects past and present so seamlessly. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to help or answer questions. There are excellent facilities, including a well-stocked gift shop and pleasant areas to rest. Located just steps from Trafalgar Square, it’s easy to combine with other nearby attractions. Overall, the National Portrait Gallery is a must-visit whether you’re a first-time tourist or a London local.
Monday, 5 January 2026 Collection: 5/5 Excellent. Royals, aristocrats, politicians, writers, and more! What an interesting assembly of portraits. I love that each room is themed to give a sense of history and curiosity. Service: 5/5 Excellent. Everyone was helpful, polite, and professional. Ambience: 4/5 Very Good. The toilets on the 4th floor are a little dark and dated, but they are free and clean. Minor detail for such a modern building. Cleanliness: 5/5 Excellent. The frames all appear freshly dusted, and the floors are clean. The toilets were clean and tidy. Value: 5/5 Excellent. Absolutely free! This is unbelievable, but amazing! Overall: 4.8/5 Excellent. If you appreciate British history, you MUST visit this national collection. Interact with the great people of the past.
This museum maintains an amazing array of historic and contemporary portraits. On this visit, we browsed the Tudor Gallery and the gallery of masks. On display is England's amazing historic legacy. We also stopped for a quick lunch in the cafe before departing. Highly recommend!
Highlights
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
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
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.
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