
Navigating The National Portrait Gallery : Answers to common questions
- Washrooms: Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are provided.
- Hours of Operation: Typical opening hours are from 10 AM to 6 PM, with late night opening on Fridays.
- Important Information: Check for temporary exhibitions, talks, and special events.
- Admission Fee: Free entry to the gallery, though some special exhibitions may charge.
- How Long to Visit: Visitors often spend 1-2 hours exploring the collections and exhibitions.
- Parking: Limited nearby parking; using public transport is advisable.
- Family Friendly: Suitable for all ages, offering various family-friendly programs and exhibitions.
- Photography: Photography is permitted in some areas, but restrictions apply to certain exhibits.
- WIFI: Free WIFI available within the gallery.
- Picnic Area: No picnic areas inside, but nearby St. Martin's Place offers outdoor seating.
- Handicap Accessible: The gallery is accessible, with elevators and ramps for wheelchair users.
- Pets: Service animals are welcome; other pets are not allowed.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours offer additional insights into the collections and featured exhibitions.
- Restaurant or Cafe: A café and a restaurant are present, offering meals and refreshments.
- Gift Shop: The gallery shop features a wide array of art books, prints, and unique gifts.
Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.
Embarking on a journey to explore the cultural and artistic heart of London leads us to the splendid National Portrait Gallery, a sanctuary that houses the essence of Britain's historical figures and modern-day icons through the art of portraiture. Established in 1856, it stands as the first portrait gallery in the world, boasting an extensive collection that encapsulates the richness of British history, art, and identity. From kings, queens, and statesmen to artists, writers, and celebrities, the gallery’s collection spans over centuries, offering a unique lens through which to view the changing faces of Britain.
Visitors to the National Portrait Gallery are greeted by an impressive array of artworks, from the earliest Tudor portraits to contemporary photographs, each with a story that paints a fuller picture of British heritage. Noteworthy is the gallery's ability to bridge the past and the present, a testament to its dynamic collection policy. Walking through the galleries, one is struck by the evolution of artistic styles and the gallery's commitment to showcasing diversity in its portrayal of notable figures. The Gallery does not merely display portraits; it narrates the nation's collective saga through the eyes of its subjects and the hands of countless artists across generations.
Among its many treasures, the Gallery's highlights include iconic paintings such as the Chandos portrait of William Shakespeare, believed to be the only likeness made during his lifetime, and the mesmerizing portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, known as the ‘Ditchley’ portrait. Equally compelling are the contemporary works that challenge the traditional notions of portraiture, emphasizing the Gallery’s role in fostering artistic innovation. In addition, the Gallery hosts an array of temporary exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs, enriching the visitor experience with deeper insights into the art and its historical context.
What sets the National Portrait Gallery apart is its profound ability to connect visitors with the figures who have shaped and continue to influence British culture and history. Each portrait tells a personal story, set against the broader backdrop of the country’s social, political, and cultural evolution. This intangible thread that connects the past with the present is what makes a visit to the Gallery a profoundly moving experience. One does not simply view art; one engages in a dialogue with history itself.
For those intrigued by the power of portraiture to immortalize personalities and narrate stories, the National Portrait Gallery presents a fascinating venue to explore. This venerable institution does not just preserve history; it invites us to ponder on our own place within the ongoing narrative of human achievement and aspiration. Whether you are a lover of art, history, or simply curious about the influential figures who have shaped Britain, this gallery promises an enriching journey through the corridors of time, celebrated through the art of portraiture.
Did You Know These Facts About The National Portrait Gallery ?
The National Portrait Gallery in London was The first portrait gallery in The world when it opened in 1856.
The gallery is located close to Trafalgar Square and has over 200,000 portraits, The most extensive collection of its kind.
The gallery houses a collection of portraits of historically important and famous British people, but not for Their artistry, but for Their subjects.
The collection includes works ranging from The 16th century to The present day.
The gallery hosts The annual BP Portrait Award, one of The most prestigious portrait painting competitions in The world.
Currency Exchange Rates for United Kingdom1 GBP = 1.2002 € EUR
1 GBP = 1.2585 $ USD
1 GBP = 1.7846 $ CAD
1 GBP = 191.8255 ¥ JPY
1 GBP = 1.1329 ₣ CHF
1 GBP = 9.1408 元CNY
1 GBP = 9.7958 圓 HKD
1 GBP = 1.9834 $ AUD
1 GBP = 2.2027 $ NZD
1 GBP = 1.2585 $ USD
1 GBP = 1.7846 $ CAD
1 GBP = 191.8255 ¥ JPY
1 GBP = 1.1329 ₣ CHF
1 GBP = 9.1408 元CNY
1 GBP = 9.7958 圓 HKD
1 GBP = 1.9834 $ AUD
1 GBP = 2.2027 $ NZD
NOTE: Exchange rates are an average currency exchange rate from several sources. These rates are not buy or sell rates which will depend on when and where you buy or sell currency.
Verified & Trusted Contact Information for The National Portrait Gallery
Address:
St. Martin's Pl, London WC2H 0HE, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 7306 0055
Official Website: www.npg.org.uk/
Latitude: 51.5095
Longitude: -0.1282
Map for The National Portrait Gallery
London Current Weather
Local Temp: 3℃ / 37.4℉
High: 3.7℃ / 38.7℉
Low: 1.8℃ / 35.2℉
Humidity: 82 %
More Places and Things To Do in London Within 25 kilometers/15 miles of The National Portrait Gallery
Trafalgar Square

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to Trafalgar Square is 0.2 Kilometers / 0.1 Miles
The Thames Path

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to The Thames Path is 0.2 Kilometers / 0.1 Miles
The West End Theatre District

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to The West End Theatre District is 0.4 Kilometers / 0.3 Miles
Covent Garden

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to Covent Garden is 0.7 Kilometers / 0.4 Miles
The Churchill War Rooms

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to The Churchill War Rooms is 0.8 Kilometers / 0.5 Miles
The London Eye

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to The London Eye is 0.9 Kilometers / 0.6 Miles
Westminster Abbey

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to Westminster Abbey is 1.1 Kilometers / 0.7 Miles
The British Museum

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to The British Museum is 1.1 Kilometers / 0.7 Miles
Houses of Parliament

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to Houses of Parliament is 1.1 Kilometers / 0.7 Miles
Buckingham Palace

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to Buckingham Palace is 1.3 Kilometers / 0.8 Miles
The Tate Modern

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to The Tate Modern is 2 Kilometers / 1.2 Miles
The Imperial War Museum

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to The Imperial War Museum is 2 Kilometers / 1.3 Miles
The Tate Britain

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to The Tate Britain is 2.1 Kilometers / 1.3 Miles
St. Paul's Cathedral

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to St. Paul's Cathedral is 2.1 Kilometers / 1.3 Miles
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is 2.2 Kilometers / 1.3 Miles
The British Library

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to The British Library is 2.3 Kilometers / 1.4 Miles
Madame Tussauds London

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to Madame Tussauds London is 2.4 Kilometers / 1.5 Miles
The Barbican Centre

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to The Barbican Centre is 2.6 Kilometers / 1.6 Miles
Camden Market

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to Camden Market is 3.3 Kilometers / 2.1 Miles
Royal Albert Hall

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to Royal Albert Hall is 3.5 Kilometers / 2.2 Miles
Tower Bridge

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to Tower Bridge is 3.7 Kilometers / 2.3 Miles
Kensington Palace

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to Kensington Palace is 4.2 Kilometers / 2.6 Miles
The O2 Arena

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to The O2 Arena is 9.1 Kilometers / 5.7 Miles
Visit the Royal Observatory in Greenwich

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to Visit the Royal Observatory in Greenwich is 9.6 Kilometers / 5.9 Miles
The Royal Botanic Gardens

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to The Royal Botanic Gardens is 12.3 Kilometers / 7.6 Miles
The Notting Hill Carnival

The Distance from The National Portrait Gallery to The Notting Hill Carnival is 23.4 Kilometers / 14.5 Miles