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National Portrait Gallery

Trafalgar Square
Closedvia Google
Opening hours
  • Monday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Paintings and photographs of aristocratic and famous figures throughout British history.via Google

Houses portraits of historically significant and famous British people, recently undergoing a major, beautiful refurbishment.

Good to know
Free entry; features a fantastic rooftop restaurant with views over Whitehall.

Reviews from Google

Harpera week ago
A fantastic Marilyn Monroe portrait exhibition with an impressive selection of photographs and artwork showcasing different sides of her life and career. The collection is thoughtfully curated and offers plenty to admire, whether you're a long-time fan or simply interested in iconic photography. The exhibition was very popular and packed with visitors, which created a great buzz and atmosphere. Despite the crowds, there was still plenty of opportunity to take in the exhibits and appreciate the details. Well worth a visit for anyone interested in Marilyn Monroe!
Michael Ns2 months ago
The National Portrait Gallery is a captivating destination for art and history lovers alike. Its extensive collection showcases portraits of Britain’s most influential figures, from monarchs to contemporary icons, beautifully displayed across thoughtfully curated galleries. The museum balances historical significance with engaging storytelling, making each visit both educational and inspiring. With regular exhibitions, interactive displays, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s an essential stop for anyone interested in exploring the faces that shaped British culture.
Lauren S3 months ago
We recently visited the National Portrait Gallery in London with a group of our members from the weekday dementia day club that we run, and it was truly a fantastic day from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, it was already a lovely experience. The weather was beautiful with a gentle breeze, and the views from outside the gallery were wonderful even before we entered. The building itself looks stunning and created a really welcoming atmosphere for our group. We were especially grateful for the kindness and support shown by the deputy manager when we arrived. Our group included members living with dementia, and the way we were welcomed made such a difference. The bag checks were handled with great dignity and reassurance, and the staff showed genuine patience and understanding towards our members. Once inside, every member of staff we encountered was incredibly helpful. They guided us around and were always ready to point us in the right direction. The gallery is spread across three levels, and we found the layout to be excellent. The level flooring made it much easier for our group to move around comfortably and safely, which we really appreciated. We also visited the café during our trip and enjoyed hot drinks and slices of cake. Sitting by the large windows with the sunshine pouring in was just lovely, and the view over Trafalgar Square made it even more special. It was such a relaxing moment for everyone. Overall, it was a wonderful experience for our whole group. The staff’s kindness, the accessible layout, and the welcoming atmosphere made it a truly enjoyable day out for our members. We would highly recommend a visit, especially for groups supporting people living with dementia.
Mike Aouna month ago
I enjoyed my time looking at some famous portraits. The museum is free but they take donations. It is pretty big also so brace yourself. Great location and friendly staff.
Jo Bold4 months ago
How lucky are we to have access to some of the most famous portraits in the world! This gallery shows them off in absolutely perfection. Easy to access and we visited on a quiet Saturday mid morning, after pre booking a time slot. It was easy to get around and see everything at our own pace.
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