National Portrait Gallery
- Art lovers
- History enthusiasts
- Families with children
Upcoming Tours
What Visitors Say
The National Portrait Gallery is a truly captivating place that brings British history and culture to life through the faces and stories of remarkable individuals. From artists and monarchs to scientists, musicians, and modern-day icons, every portrait offers a fascinating glimpse into the people who have shaped Britain and the world. The gallery itself is beautifully designed, combining historic charm with modern elegance following its recent refurbishment. The thoughtfully curated exhibitions make it easy to explore centuries of history in an engaging and accessible way. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply curious about the lives behind the portraits, there's something to inspire every visitor. One of the highlights of visiting the National Portrait Gallery is the incredible diversity of its collection. Seeing famous figures represented through different artistic styles and periods creates a unique experience that is both educational and deeply moving. The accompanying information provides valuable context, helping visitors connect with the stories and achievements of the individuals on display. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, making it the perfect place to spend a few leisurely hours. Its central London location, just moments from Trafalgar Square, makes it an ideal addition to any day of sightseeing. The gallery's café and gift shop are also well worth a visit, offering a lovely place to relax after exploring the exhibits. The National Portrait Gallery is more than just an art museum—it's a celebration of people, history, and creativity. Thought-provoking, beautifully presented, and completely enriching, it is a cultural treasure that deserves to be experienced time and time again.
Wonderful gallery. Really versatile and welcoming. I have to say it was quite noisy throughout. A lot of chatter and a lot of visitors so, should I return, I would try and find a quieter time. The art work is beautiful and there is so much to see. Staff were very friendly too!! I loved the detail and descriptions along with the portraits, it really makes the difference to me and adds to the experience. I'd defintiely visit again.
Went to the Marilyn Monroe exhibition, loved it! All v well organised, not too many people (Thursday lunchtime) beautifully exhibited, mainly photos, telling the story thru imagery. Lunch in the forth floor restaurant The Portrait was excellent, food, vino, service & views.
National Portrait Gallery is a great place to spend hours, houses a great collection of portraits; all the way from Tudor times up to contemporary public figures. Staff is knowledgeable and helpful, the gallery has several facilities: cafes and restrooms. Also, in celebration of the Hollywood star’s 100th birthday and in association with the Marilyn Monroe estate, Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait explores the life, career and legacy of Marilyn Monroe through portraits created by some of the greatest photographers and artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Bringing together works by Andy Warhol, Pauline Boty, Marlene Dumas, James Gill, Rosalyn Drexler and Audrey Flack, alongside over 20 era-defining photographers, including Cecil Beaton, Philippe Halsman, Bernard of Hollywood, André de Dienes, Eve Arnold, Inge Morath, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Milton Greene, Sam Shaw, Richard Avedon and George Barris, the exhibition foregrounds Monroe’s collaborative approach to image making and her creative agency. The exhibition also includes personal belongings such as scripts and clothes to enrich understanding of the woman behind the image. Like most public museums, admissions is free of charge. Definitely worth a visit.
A picture they say tells a thousand stories. Nothing captures more succinctly the experience of vising the National Potrait Gallery better than this expression. Each floor and pieces take you on a history tour. From the Tudors to modern day royal family and famous personalities across the British Isle. Each floor tells a story in time and the rooms are adorned with a cross section pf ornate pictures to statues and even death mask. Pictures, paintings, drawings, and digital representations, the NPG has it all. The gallery is conspicuous although could easily be confused for the National Gallery which occupies the other side of the building facing Trafalgar square. The ambience, lighting and lay out all work well and the stairs are easy to climb. There are functional lifts and a cafe at the ground floor. I think level - 2. Overall, a great place to learn and another infinity stone of the countless museums in and around London. P.S admission is mostly free except to the Monroe exhibition.
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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