National Portrait Gallery

The basics

Visitors can opt to explore with a self-guided tour or book a National Portrait Gallery tour with an expert guide, enjoying access to more than 40 rooms spread over three floors. The vast permanent collection features paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures dating from as early as the 13th century. Popular exhibits include portraits of Kings Richard III and Henry VIII (along with his six wives) and Victorian-era portraits of Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, and the Brontë sisters.

The modern era is well represented too, including Diana Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Cambridge, actors including Alan Rickman and Helen Mirren, and other famous Brits such as The Beatles and Richard Branson.

Things to know before you go

• Entrance to the National Portrait Gallery is free, but National Portrait Gallery tickets are required for some special exhibitions.

• On-site facilities include a museum shop, paid storage lockers, a rooftop restaurant, and a café.

• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum.

• The gallery is fully wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

The National Portrait Gallery is located on St. Martin’s Place, just north of Trafalgar Square and right next door to the National Gallery. The closest Underground station is Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines), but it’s also a short walk from Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.

When to get there

The museum is open daily, year-round, but it can get busy at weekends, so make an early start to avoid the crowds. An atmospheric time to visit is Friday nights, when the gallery stays open until 9pm, and often hosts special events and exhibitions.

Portraits of note

Highlights of the National Portrait Gallery include the Chandos portrait, allegedly portraying William Shakespeare; a sketch of novelist Jane Austen by her sister; and the Ditchley portrait of Queen Elizabeth I. In the modern gallery, must-sees include Julian Opie’s celebrated Blur portraits, Sam Taylor-Wood’s video portrait of David Beckham, and Marlene Dumas’ painting of Amy Winehouse. The most bizarre is Mark Quinn’s Self, a frozen sculpture of his head made with his own blood.

Ways to explore

You can explore the National Portrait Gallery on a free, daily 45-minute tour that covers the most notable paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures dating from as early as the 13th century. See exhibits devoted to King Richard III and Henry VIII (along with his six wives), as well as Victorian-era portraits of Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, and the Brontë sisters. London gallery tours tend to combine this museum with the neighboring National Gallery, while Covent Garden walking tours typically pass by too.

Accessibility

All of the museum entrances have step-free access, and there are elevators to each floor.

Age limits

There are free activity trails you can download on the website for kids 4 and up.

What to pack

If you’re bringing a backpack, you must wear it on your front or carry it by hand.

What to wear

The museum has multiple levels, so wear comfortable shoes.

Not allowed

Though sketching is encouraged, you can’t use charcoal, acrylic paint, or permanent markers.

Amenities

Restaurant, café, restrooms, gift shop, Wi-Fi

Address

The National Portrait Gallery has a prime location off Trafalgar Square, guarded by stone lions and towered over by Nelson’s Column. It’s just around the corner from the National Gallery, which is also free to enter.

Driving

Central London is a nightmare to drive around, thanks to narrow roads, hundreds of pedestrians, and limited parking. Make the most of the myriad public transit options and leave the car at home.

Public transportation

The nearest London Underground stations are Charing Cross on the Bakerloo and Northern lines, a 5-minute walk to the museum, and Tottenham Court Road on the Northern, Elizabeth, and Central lines, a 15-minute walk.

Best times to visit

Highlights tours take place at 12pm and 3pm, while Portrait of the Day talks happen at 11am and 2pm.

Best days to visit

On Friday-Sunday, you can take an early-access tour of the collection before the museum opens to the general public.

Best months to visit

November to February, the National Portrait Gallery hosts the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize exhibit, which showcases some of the world’s best portrait photography.

Special events

The museum hosts in-person and online lectures, as well as special life drawing classes and talks on the picture of the month—check the website for the full program.