National Portrait Gallery

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Oct

Tim Walker's Fairyland: Love and Legends

Photographer Tim Walker celebrates the UK's LGBTQ+ trailblazers in a fantastical exploration of queer identity, community and love.

Now showing9 Oct – 7 Feb 2027

Winston Taylor Photo Portrait Prize 2026

The Gallery's flagship photography prize — now sponsored by Winston Taylor and renamed the Winston Taylor Photo Portrait Prize 2026 — returns with the best contemporary portrait photography from emerging talents and established names.

Upcoming5 Nov – 17 Jan 2027

Peter Blake: Pop Art Life

The first major institutional exhibition devoted to the portraiture of Sir Peter Blake, the British Pop artist.

Upcoming11 Feb 2027 – 23 May 2027· Free

Mary Cassatt: Radical Impressionist

The first UK retrospective of Mary Cassatt, focused on the women she painted: family, friends, patrons and models. Most works have not been seen in the UK.

Upcoming11 Mar 2027 – 13 Jun 2027· Free

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2027

Free annual exhibition of shortlisted works from the Portrait Award, the 45th edition, with works from the 2026 and 2027 rounds.

Upcoming24 Jun 2027 – 10 Oct 2027· Free

Permanent Collections

Georgians and Victorians: 1714–1900

Writers, scientists, soldiers, and reformers — Reynolds, Gainsborough, and photography's pioneers capture Britain in transition.

Permanent collection· Free

Tudors and Stuarts: 1485–1714

Holbein's Henry VIII, Elizabeth I in her Armada Portrait, and the Stuart monarchs — six centuries of power on canvas.

Permanent collection· Free

Twentieth Century: 1900–2000

From Suffragettes to Swinging Sixties — Warhol-era photography, Hockney's self-portraits, and the faces of modern Britain.

Permanent collection· Free

Contemporary Portraits and Photography

Newly commissioned portraits, diverse contemporary voices, and the gallery's collection of 21st-century photography on Floor 0.

Permanent collection· Free

Nearby

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National Gallery

ArtFree1 min walk

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London Transport Museum

Transport7 min walk

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Courtauld Gallery

Art9 min walk

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Churchill War Rooms

Military10 min walk

Visitor Information

Is National Portrait Gallery free to visit?

Yes, general admission to National Portrait Gallery is free. Special exhibitions may require paid tickets. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.

What are the opening hours of National Portrait Gallery?

National Portrait Gallery is open Daily 10:30–18:00, Fri–Sat until 21:00. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is National Portrait Gallery?

National Portrait Gallery is located at St Martin's Place, London WC2H 0HE, in the West End area of London. The nearest stations are Charing Cross and Leicester Square.

What can I see at National Portrait Gallery?

The faces of British history — from Tudor monarchs to contemporary icons. Current highlights include Georgians and Victorians: 1714–1900, Tudors and Stuarts: 1485–1714 and Twentieth Century: 1900–2000.

Do I need to book National Portrait Gallery in advance?

National Portrait Gallery is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Special exhibitions may require paid tickets. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.

When is the best time to visit National Portrait Gallery?

Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

Is National Portrait Gallery accessible?

Step-free access to all floors via lifts. Wheelchairs available. Audio guides and BSL tours.