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At the National Portrait Gallery we tell the story of Britain through portraits, using art to bring history to life and explore living today
We look after the world’s greatest collection of portraits. Spanning six centuries, our artworks reveal the inspiring and sometimes surprising personal stories that have shaped, and continue to shape a nation – from global icons to local champions, national treasures to unsung heroes.
We are also passionate about portraiture, always progressing our art form, championing artists and encouraging creativity. We celebrate the power of portraiture to create person-to-person connections and the experiences we provide offer encounters with some of the world’s greatest artists as well as the very best in contemporary art.
With exhibitions changing throughout the year we recommend anyone wanting to visit the National Portrait Gallery to go to the website to see what exhibitions are on show.
Opening Hours
FAQ's
What are the nearest underground stations?
The nearest underground stations to the Gallery are: Charing Cross, about 300 metres Leicester Square, about 195 metres Embankment, about 490 metres
Is photography allowed in the Gallery?
Photography and filming in the main galleries is allowed for personal, non-commercial purposes only. It is the visitor’s responsibility to ensure no copyright or data protection is infringed.
Can I book to use a wheelchair?
A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge from the Ticket Desk on Floor 0. We recommend booking these in advance.
Is there a booking fee?
The Gallery does not charge a booking fee for any transaction online, over the phone, or in person.