The National Portrait Gallery is a prominent art museum in London, located in Trafalgar Square. Established in 1856, it is a showcase of British history and culture through the portrayal of the country’s prominent figures, from kings and queens to artists, writers, and other significant figures. The gallery houses a vast collection of portraits from the Tudor period to the present day, making it one of the most comprehensive collections of portraits in the world.
The Gallery’s main collection is housed in a beautiful building that was designed by architect Ewan Christian in the 19th century. The Gallery’s permanent collection features portraits of some of Britain’s most famous historical figures, including Queen Elizabeth I, King Henry VIII, William Shakespeare, and Winston Churchill.
The Gallery also features rotating exhibitions that showcase works from the permanent collection as well as special loan exhibitions from around the world. Recent exhibitions have included “Elizabethan Treasures,” “The Encounter: Drawings from Leonardo to Rembrandt,” and “Cindy Sherman.”
One of the most unique features of the National Portrait Gallery is the presence of the Portrait Restaurant, located on the top floor of the building. With stunning views of Trafalgar Square and a menu of contemporary British cuisine, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the stunning surroundings.
The Gallery’s collection spans more than 500 years of British history, with portraits ranging from the Tudor period to the present day. The Tudor and Stuart galleries feature portraits of the Tudor and Stuart monarchs, including King Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and James I.
In addition to the royal portraits, the Gallery also features portraits of many significant British figures, including scientists, explorers, artists, writers, and musicians. Some of the most notable portraits in the Gallery’s collection include those of William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, William Hogarth, David Hockney, and Paul McCartney.
The Gallery’s collection is continually growing and evolving, with new acquisitions and donations being added to the collection on a regular basis. The Gallery’s primary mission is to promote the study and appreciation of portraiture in all its forms, and it has become a must-visit destination for art lovers from around the world.
The National Portrait Gallery also offers a variety of educational programs and events for visitors of all ages, including talks, workshops, and tours. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about British history and culture, the National Portrait Gallery is a must-visit destination in London.
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FAQ's
How can I find out what's on at the Gallery?
The What's On section of the website provides information about all current and forthcoming exhibitions and displays, as well as the next three month events programme of talks, films and events, conferences, courses and study days, family events, Friday evening music and young people's programme. The Events calendar on the home page allows you to search for any exhibition, display or event and find out what is happening in the Gallery for up to three months in advance.
How can I find out what's coming up?
Information about forthcoming exhibitions is available from the main Exhibition pages. You can also use the Events calendar to view what's on at any day in the near future.
Who deals with booked ticket enquiries?
General ticket enquiries Switchboard on +44 (0)20 7306 0055 [email protected]
How can I book tickets?
Online booking for paying exhibitions and events are possible through the 'Buy tickets' link and also via phone by calling the ticketing line on +44 (0)20 7 321 6600.
Can I get an exchange or refund for my tickets if I can’t use them?
Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded for the majority of events unless the event is cancelled. Tickets are valid only for the date, time and exhibition or event stated. Please check your ticket(s) and/or confirmation email on receipt as mistakes cannot always be rectified. Should cancellation of any event, be necessary, the Gallery will attempt to contact all customers who have booked tickets in advance to arrange exchange or refund of tickets. This contact will be in the form of email for online customers, so customers are advised to check their email inbox before visiting the Gallery to avoid an unnecessary journey should an event be cancelled. If an alternative visit date cannot be arranged, the Gallery will then refund the full price paid, including the payment processing fees, to customers. The Gallery reserves the right to alter the advertised arrangements for any exhibition, cancel any exhibition time slot and/or close the exhibition without notice. In any such event the Gallery’s maximum liability to you shall not exceed the total amount you paid for your ticket(s). Additional purchases bought in conjunction with exhibition tickets, including catalogues and audio guides, cannot be exchanged or refunded.
Is there a booking fee?
A booking fee of £1.85 (online) or £2.50 (via phone) applies to all online and telephone bookings made per transaction. This does not apply to Members or to bookings made in person at the Gallery. The Gallery is a charity which is part funded by government but has to self-generate 70% of the funds needed to keep open and accessible to all. The Gallery's Collection and displays (which make up approximately 90% of what is on display), the annual BP Portrait Award exhibition, family activities, events for young people, accessible events (including British Sign Language and Picture Description tours) and Portrait of the Day talks are free and to continue to fund this we need to raise income through various channels, including ticketing for events and exhibitions. The income raised through ticketing goes towards the running of the Gallery, supporting us in sharing, conserving and displaying our Collection. The transaction fee covers the cost of processing orders, including providing and staffing a seven day a week booking service, ticketing system maintenance, credit card commissions and all the other costs associated with running the Gallery. As mentioned there is no fee for tickets booked in person at the Gallery.
How can I find out about something that’s not in the online shop?
Please call 0207 306 0055 for further assistance or contact 'Retail Enquiries' using the form on the Contact us page.
What can I see in my part of the world? The Gallery has a significant range of activities at a regional and international level. All portraits on display at the Gallery's regional partnerships,
The Gallery has a significant range of activities at a regional and international level. All portraits on display at the Gallery's regional partnerships, on current or forthcoming exhibition or long-term loans are listed in the Beyond the Gallery section on the website and in the Events calendar.
How can I enter your portrait awards?
Guidance for call for entries for the BP Portrait Award or Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize, or pre-registration for following year's awards can be found on the relevant exhibition pages
What is the last entry time to an exhibition?
Last entry to ticketed exhibitions is 1 hour before the exhibition's closing time on any given day. This is subject to change depending on the nature of the exhibition and the anticipated time needed to see the exhibition in full
Who deals with registration enquiries for the portrait awards?
For all enquiries once an application has been made Competitions on +44 (0)20 7321 6699 [email protected] [email protected]
How can I make a Freedom of Information request?
The Freedom of Information Act encourages public authorities to be proactive in making information available and requires them to issue a public statement that gives details of all the information that is made available. Section 19 of the Act requires public authorities to adopt and maintain a publication scheme, to publish information in accordance with its scheme, and, from time to time, to review its publication scheme. Requests for information not listed in the publication scheme should be made in writing (letter or e-mail) to the Heinz Archive & Library, and should provide as much detail as possible to enable Gallery staff to identify the information that is required. Information will usually be supplied in the form of a photocopy or e-mail attachment within twenty working days of the receipt of a request. If you have difficulty in identifying the precise information you require Gallery staff will be pleased to help.
