National Portrait Gallery
London · United Kingdom · Founded 1856
Quick answer
National Portrait Gallery in London, United Kingdom — founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery moved to its current building beside the National Gallery in 1896. Open daily, 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Friday and Saturday until 9:00 PM). Admission: free standard admission. Allow 2 hours.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
National Portrait Gallery at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Daily: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Friday and Saturday until 9:00 PM) |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free standard admission |
| Booking | Tickets usually available on the day |
| Time needed | 2 hours |
| Best time to visit | Friday or Saturday evening until 9 PM after the 2023 reopening. |
| Getting there | Tube: Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo) — 3-minute walk to St Martin's Place |
| Address | St Martin's Pl, London WC2H 0HE, United Kingdom |
| Official website | npg.org.uk |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is National Portrait Gallery known for?
The National Portrait Gallery on St Martin's Place, London, was founded in 1856 as the world's first portrait gallery — collecting images of eminent British figures rather than art for art's sake. It reopened in June 2023 after a three-year refurbishment by Jamie Fobert Architects.
The Chandos portrait of William Shakespeare — one of only two portraits taken from life — is the gallery's most famous work. The Ditchley portrait of Elizabeth I shows the queen standing on a map of England, storms parting around her.
The refurbished building adds a new entrance on Ross Place, restored galleries, and improved accessibility. Tudor and Victorian galleries anchor the collection; contemporary portraits include David Hockney, Malala Yousafzai, and the Blur musicians.
Admission to the permanent collection is free. The gallery sits beside the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square.
Best for: History Enthusiasts · First-timers · Art Lovers
How long do you need at National Portrait Gallery?
Allow 2 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at National Portrait Gallery without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
Chandos Portrait of Shakespeare
📍 Room 6, Tudor galleries
One of only two portraits of Shakespeare taken from life — named after a former owner, the 3rd Duke of Chandos.
- 2
Queen Elizabeth I (Ditchley Portrait)
📍 Tudor gallery
Elizabeth I standing on a map of England, storms parting and sun breaking through — commissioned by Sir Henry Lee to commemorate a visit to his Ditchley estate.
- 3
Portrait of Winston Churchill
📍 20th-century galleries
The story of Churchill's hated Sutherland portrait — destroyed by Clementine Churchill — is told alongside surviving studies and the famous Karsh photograph.
- 4
Self-Portrait with Badges
📍 Contemporary galleries
Peter Blake's Pop Art self-portrait wearing badges of Elvis and brand logos — a defining image of 1960s British art in the portrait collection.
What are the must-see works at National Portrait Gallery?
4 highlights that define the collection: Chandos Portrait of Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth I (Ditchley Portrait), Portrait of Winston Churchill and more.
Chandos Portrait of Shakespeare
Attributed to John Taylor · c. 1600–1610
📍 Room 6, Tudor galleries
One of only two portraits of Shakespeare taken from life — named after a former owner, the 3rd Duke of Chandos. The gallery's most requested work.
Queen Elizabeth I (Ditchley Portrait)
Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger · c. 1592
📍 Tudor gallery
Elizabeth I standing on a map of England, storms parting and sun breaking through — commissioned by Sir Henry Lee to commemorate a visit to his Ditchley estate.
Portrait of Winston Churchill
Graham Sutherland · 1954 (destroyed; study survives)
📍 20th-century galleries
The story of Churchill's hated Sutherland portrait — destroyed by Clementine Churchill — is told alongside surviving studies and the famous Karsh photograph.
Self-Portrait with Badges
Peter Blake · 1961
📍 Contemporary galleries
Peter Blake's Pop Art self-portrait wearing badges of Elvis and brand logos — a defining image of 1960s British art in the portrait collection.
Collections and highlights
- • Chandos portrait of Shakespeare
- • Ditchley portrait of Elizabeth I
- • Tudor and Stuart royal portraits
- • Victorian statesmen and writers
- • Contemporary portraits — Hockney, Emin, others
- • Photography collection
- • 2023 Jamie Fobert refurbishment
Tips for visiting National Portrait Gallery
- 1.
Best time to visit
Friday or Saturday evening until 9 PM after the 2023 reopening. Weekday mornings for Tudor galleries.
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
Moderate — Shakespeare and Elizabeth I rooms busiest. Free entry to permanent collection.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
Free permanent collection at npg.org.uk. Major exhibitions ticketed separately.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
Porterhouse café in the refurbished building; Trafalgar Square and St Martin's Lane restaurants.
- 5.
Accessibility
Fully accessible after 2023 refurbishment. New lift and step-free entrance on Ross Place.
How do you get to National Portrait Gallery?
- tube Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo) — 3-minute walk to St Martin's Place
- tube Leicester Square — 5-minute walk via St Martin's Lane
- walk Adjacent to the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square — shared plaza
Address: St Martin's Pl, London WC2H 0HE, United Kingdom
National Portrait Gallery: frequently asked questions
Is the gallery near the National Gallery?
Yes — they are adjacent on Trafalgar Square.
Is admission really free?
Yes for the permanent collection; major exhibitions are ticketed.
How long should I spend at National Portrait Gallery?
Plan 2 hours for the highlights of National Portrait Gallery. Our 4-stop route — Chandos Portrait of Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth I (Ditchley Portrait), Portrait of Winston Churchill and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is National Portrait Gallery best known for?
Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery moved to its current building beside the National Gallery in 1896. It reopened in 2023 after a major refurbishment by Jamie Fobert Architects. Key highlights include Chandos portrait of Shakespeare, Tudor royal portraits, Ditchley portrait of Elizabeth I.
How do I get tickets for National Portrait Gallery?
Free standard admission. You can walk in without a ticket; paid exhibitions are booked separately. Official site: https://www.npg.org.uk/
Is the Shakespeare portrait definitely him?
The Chandos portrait is attributed to John Taylor and thought to depict Shakespeare — one of only two portraits with a claim to being taken from life. The gallery presents the evidence; certainty remains debated by scholars.
What changed in the 2023 refurbishment?
Jamie Fobert Architects added a new entrance, restored historic galleries, improved lighting and accessibility, and rehung the collection chronologically. The building had closed in 2020 for three years.
Is it separate from the National Gallery?
Yes — separate institutions but adjacent buildings on St Martin's Place and Trafalgar Square. Both have free permanent collections. Visit both in one morning.
Is National Portrait Gallery open on Mondays?
Yes — National Portrait Gallery is open every day of the week, including Mondays and Sundays: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Friday and Saturday until 9:00 PM). Check the official website for holiday hours.
What are National Portrait Gallery's opening hours?
National Portrait Gallery is open daily, 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Friday and Saturday until 9:00 PM). Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
