How to visit The National Portrait Gallery, London

If you are planning to visit the National Portrait Gallery in London, here is everything you need to know.

Plan your visit

This gallery is a stunning place, not as vast as the National Gallery. If you have an interest in British history and individuals, this is the perfect destination for you.

The National Portrait Gallery is situated at Leicester Square in central London, positioned to the right of the National Gallery. However, it has a separate entrance. Both galleries offer free admission, but during peak seasons, it’s advisable to book a ticket online to ensure entry.

The collections are spread across multiple floors, accessible via stairs or an elevator. You can pick up a helpful guide at the entrance. On the ground floor, there is a changing exhibition that requires a separate fee for entry, so it’s a good idea to book this in advance before your visit.

Re-opening of the National Portrait Gallery

The Inspiring People project, designed by Jamie Fobert Architects and supported by foundations, revitalized the National Portrait Gallery. It involved re-presenting the Collection, renovating the building, creating public spaces, and a new entrance.

The Gallery temporarily closed in spring 2020 and reopened on June 2023, with a more accessible visitor entrance on the North Facade. Three windows became doors, leading to a new entrance named Ross Place, thanks to the Ross Foundation’s support.

During the closure in 2020, all displayed portraits were safely stored, marking the largest move since the Second World War.

The project revamped the Collection and gallery spaces, preserving the architectural charm. It follows a chronological order, presenting works with broad appeal and uncovering overlooked stories from British history. More pieces from the photograph collection, spanning from 1840 to the present day, were also introduced.

Queen Victoria
replica by Sir George Hayter 1863, based on a work of 1838.

Anne Boleyn, by Unknown English artist, late 16th century, based on a work of circa 1533-1536

Collection

The Primary Collection boasts 12,700 portraits, including 4,100 paintings, sculptures, and miniatures, along with 8,500 light-sensitive paper works, carefully rotated to protect them from light damage.

The gallery’s Primary Collection, consisting of over 11,000 portraits, including 4,000 paintings, sculptures, and miniatures, with nearly 60% on regular display and annual rotations of about 300 light-sensitive paper works to preserve them.

The concept of a Primary Collection and a Reference Collection originated in 1856 and later expanded to include photographs. These collections have a dual role: displaying portraits of notable British figures and serving as a national center for the study and appreciation of portraiture.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Jamie Coreth, 2022.

The Photograph Collection

The Photographs collection contains over 250,000 original photographic images, with at least 130,000 being original negatives. These photographs span from the 1840s to the present day and are divided into two categories.

Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
studio of Allan Ramsay, 1761-1762. King George III
studio of Allan Ramsay, based on a work of 1761-1762.

Accessibility and facilities

The entrance offers step-free access to the shop, café, and restaurant, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. Lifts are available to access all floors, making the entire building easily reachable. Moreover, there are accessible toilets, including changing facilities, to accommodate diverse needs.

The newly renovated building boasts a clean and modern ambiance, including features like the restrooms and lifts, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

However, while the shop is spacious, some visitors might find the selection of items available for purchase somewhat limited and not as appealing as expected.