National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery, founded in 1856, is home to the largest collection of portraits in the world, with works dating from the Middle Ages to the present day.
With over 1,000 portraits on display visitors can come face to face with the people who have shaped British history and culture, from Elizabeth I and Charles Dickens to The Beatles and David Beckham. Artists featured range from Holbein to Hockney, and the Collection includes work across all media, from painting and sculpture to photography and video.
Venue Type:
Gallery
Additional info
Evening Openings
The Gallery is open on Thursday and Friday evenings until 21.00. In addition to being able to view the Collection and exhibitions, special lectures (in English only) are held on Thursday evenings and free music events on Friday evenings.
The Collection is displayed chronologically, beginning with the earliest Tudor portraits on the top floor, the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, through to the Victorians and early 20th century on the first floor and finishing with the most contemporary part of the collection on the ground floor.
Collection details
Archives, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Personalities, Social History
Key artists and exhibits
- In addition to the Main Collection, a programme of special temporary exhibitions and displays runs throughout the year.
Family Art Events
http://www.npg.org.uk/learning/families.php
On the 3rd Saturday of every month, explore portraits from the National Portrait Gallery's collection, then take part in an art activity. Workshops are at 11.30 and 14.30 and last approximately 90 minutes.
How to obtain
Pick up a free ticket to attend the sessions, available one hour before it starts from the Information Desk in the Ondaatje Wing Main Hall. Spaces are allocated first come, first served and children must be accompanied by an adult.
National Portrait Gallery Webquests
http://www.npg.org.uk/webquests/
Webquests are online activities for children, using the collections of nine national museums and galleries.
Salt Dough Recipe
Storytelling for Families
http://www.npg.org.uk/learning/families.php
Third Saturday of every month, join our storytellers for monthly drop-in storytelling sessions in the Gallery, inspired by the Collection. Suitable for children aged 3+ and their carers.
How to obtain
No ticket required. Meet in the Ondaatje Wing Main Hall. These sessions are free and will last about 30 minutes.
The Sunday Sessions
http://www.npg.org.uk/learning/young.php
The Sunday Sessions are part of the Young People's Programme for 14-21 year olds. All sessions are free and explore aspects of portraiture in exciting and innovative ways, drawing inspiration from the collection or temporary exhibitions.
How to obtain
For more information email youthbookings@npg.org.uk or call 020 7312 2483.
Youth Forum
http://www.npg.org.uk/learning/young.php
Youth Forum is part of The National Portrait Gallery's Young People's Programme for 14-21 year olds. All sessions are free and explore aspects of portraiture in exciting and innovative ways, drawing inspiration from the collection and temporary exhibitions. Youth Forum meets on a Thursday evening once a month.
How to obtain
For more information or to join Youth Forum, contact Rachel Moss, Young People's Programme Manager on rmoss@npg.org.uk.
National Portrait Gallery
St Martin's Place
London
Greater London
WC2H 0HE
England
Website
Telephone
Information
020 7306 0055
020 7306 0055
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