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Hours

Mon10:30–18:00
Tue10:30–18:00
Wed10:30–18:00
Thu10:30–18:00
Fri10:30–21:00
SatToday10:30–21:00
Sun10:30–18:00

Address

St Martin's Place, London WC2H 0HE

Nearest station: Charing Cross, Leicester Square

Admission

Free

Special exhibitions may require paid tickets

Accessibility

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

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National Portrait Gallery

ArtHistoryPhotographyClosed · Opens 10:30am

Reopened in 2023 after a major transformation, the National Portrait Gallery tells the story of Britain through its people. The collection spans six centuries of portraiture, from Holbein's Henry VIII to Hockney's self-portraits. The new layout guides you chronologically from the top floor down, and the ground-floor galleries showcase contemporary photography and commissions. It's quieter and more intimate than its neighbour the National Gallery.

What's On

Now
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept

Lucian Freud: Drawing into Painting

The first major UK exhibition of the celebrated portrait artist's works on paper, with rarely shown preparatory studies.

Now showing12 Feb – 3 May

Catherine Opie: To Be Seen

Over 80 photographs spanning studio portraiture, LGBTQ+ portraiture, and documentary photography.

Upcoming5 Mar – 31 May

Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait

Celebrating the Hollywood star's 100th birthday through portraits by the greatest photographers of the 20th century.

Upcoming4 Jun – 6 Sept

Nearby

National Gallery

ArtFree1 min walk

London Transport Museum

Transport7 min walk

Courtauld Gallery

Art9 min walk

Churchill War Rooms

Military10 min walk

Visitor Information

Is National Portrait Gallery free?
Yes, general admission to National Portrait Gallery is free. Special exhibitions may require paid tickets.
What are the opening hours of National Portrait Gallery?
National Portrait Gallery is open Daily 10:30–18:00, Fri–Sat until 21:00. Check the museum's website for holiday closures and special hours.
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, Leicester Square.
What exhibitions are on at National Portrait Gallery?
Current exhibitions include: Lucian Freud: Drawing into Painting (until May 2026); Catherine Opie: To Be Seen (until May 2026); Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait (until September 2026).
Is National Portrait Gallery accessible?
Step-free access to all floors via lifts. Wheelchairs available. Audio guides and BSL tours.

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