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National Portrait Gallery and its collection

National Portrait Gallery
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The National Portrait Gallery (NPG) was the first portrait gallery in the world when it opened in 1856. The gallery houses a collection of portraits of historically important and well known British people. Works in the National Portrait Gallery include photographs, caricatures, paintings, drawings and sculpture and are all selected on the basis of the significance of the person, not that of the artist. A well known piece is the Chandos portrait, the most famous of the portraits that may depict William Shakespeare. In addition to the main collection, a programme of special temporary exhibitions and displays runs throughout the year.

Art & Design Art & Design Person & Artist Photography

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#13 Art & Design in England #10 Free museums in England #6 Person & artist museums in England #3 Photography museums in England #7 Art & Design in London #7 Free museums in London #3 Person & artist museums in London #3 Photography museums in London #18 Art & Design in United Kingdom #15 Free museums in United Kingdom #8 Person & artist museums in United Kingdom #3 Photography museums in United Kingdom #110 Art & Design in Europe #45 Free museums in Europe #51 Person & artist museums in Europe #4 Photography museums in Europe

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National Portrait Gallery
St Martin's Place
WC2H 0HE London

Images of National Portrait Gallery

Visitor information National Portrait Gallery

Opening hours

Monday
10:30 – 18:00
Tuesday
10:30 – 18:00
Wednesday
10:30 – 18:00
Thursday
10:30 – 18:00
Friday
10:30 – 21:00
Saturday
10:30 – 21:00
Sunday
10:30 – 18:00
More opening hours

Admission

0+Free

Donations welcome

More ticket prices

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible
Museum shop
Coffee
Restaurant
Audio tour

Location & Map

St Martin's Place, London

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Exhibitions

More exhibitions

National Portrait Gallery Reviews

National Portrait Gallery has 2 ratings.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The National Portrait Gallery in London, England is a highly regarded institution that offers visitors a comprehensive look at British history through portraiture. The gallery houses an extensive collection of portraits featuring notable figures from various periods, providing insight into the UK's cultural, political, and social development.

    Many visitors appreciate the diverse range of artworks, which span from traditional paintings to contemporary pieces, including photographs and digital art. The gallery's curation is often praised for its thoughtful organization and informative displays, allowing guests to easily navigate through different historical periods and artistic styles.

    The museum's central location in London makes it easily accessible, and its recent renovation has improved the overall visitor experience. The new layout and additional exhibition spaces have been well-received, offering a fresh perspective on the collection.

    While most visitors find the gallery engaging and educational, some note that certain areas can become crowded during peak times, potentially impacting the viewing experience. Additionally, a few visitors mention that some sections of the permanent collection might benefit from more frequent updates or rotations to keep the experience fresh for repeat visitors.

    The museum's cafe and gift shop receive mixed reviews, with some praising the quality of refreshments and merchandise, while others find them somewhat overpriced.

    Overall, the National Portrait Gallery is widely considered a valuable cultural institution that offers a compelling journey through British history and art. Its combination of historical significance and artistic merit makes it a worthwhile destination for both art enthusiasts and history buffs visiting London.

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  • Frank
    Frank • Jun 29, 2017

    The National Portrait Gallery is very well laid out. The collection is very complete and you see and learn a lot. We started at the top with the older art and then went down for the more modern portraits. We preferred the older portraits, but the more modern ones were also worth seeing. Very well worth a visit (and it is free aswell!).

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