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National Portrait Gallery

Art Gallery and Art Museum

Piccadilly, London

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9.2^/10

1,810

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Ranked #3 for photography in London
The experts at Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and Time Out London recommend this place
"... it's right behind the national gallery. Tons of paintings and sculptures from..."(9 Tips)
"vintage photos from the masters and Vogue 100 years celebrations"(4 Tips)
"Taylor Wessing Portrait Photography Prize"(3 Tips)
"Man Ray portraits exhibition is really good - he knew everyone!!"(3 Tips)

166 Tips and reviews

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ToryBurchOctober 12, 2011
This must-see museum houses over 160,000 portraits of famous Brits (think Mick Jagger, Queen Victoria) dating back to the 16th century. It also is home to a trove of Cecil Beaton images.
Upvoted 4 weeks ago
Oscar TrellesNovember 25, 2014
Most of the gallery exhibits are available for a suggested £1 donation, enough to keep you busy for at least a couple of hours. Great way to learn some of the history you won't find in the books.
Anna EllegaardAugust 5, 2015
Came here for Marc Quinn's Blood Head. Instant wow-factor! And for the Tudor portraits exhibition, which unfortunately was on loan in Paris when I went. Rest of the collection is great.
Upvoted 2 weeks ago
Jose LopezFebruary 12, 2015
One of the most important galleries in London, it's a must if you are already at trafalgar, it's right behind the national gallery. Tons of paintings and sculptures from different eras.
Paul MisonAugust 16, 2011
It's not as famous as its generalist neighbour, but it's well worth a visit in its own right. Keep an eye out for temporary exhibitions, too, although not all of them are worth the money.
Valentina CiolinoFebruary 25
The Café at -1 has plenty of room, big cakes and usually a queue. The Bar & café at -3 is bigger and fancier, less family friendly and no cakes, but has less queues and nice photo portraits
Mahdi HosseiniSeptember 10, 2017
You must visit it. With 195.000 portraits, it's one of the most attractive galleries in the UK. I'm sure you'll be surprised!
Rob JacksonAugust 30, 2016
Been here 25+ times
The ultimate gallery for portraits of current and historic people. Beautifully arranged and with a nice atmosphere. Look out for the special evening events too!
Andy LoveJuly 12, 2015
Lovely selection of portraits, but even more astounding than the famous collections are the new artists. Worth a trip (and a tip!)
Paul GallagherJuly 28, 2017
This is an excellent gallery in the centre of London. Perfect for a 15-30 minute visit. I fully recommend popping in to see the latest additions.
Carl GriffinFebruary 14, 2016
Huge collection of portraits of those who have made Britain the great country it is. Portraits range from playwrights to pop stars and kings to psychologists. Entrance is free.
KarenJanuary 6, 2018
Portraits galore of British royalty through the ages. See the real-life portrait of Princess Kate found here. The royal family portrait of King George V and his family is stunning.
Kathy MayApril 15, 2016
Lots of interesting to see, vintage photos from the masters and Vogue 100 years celebrations that can't be missed!!
Joana ViannaAugust 9, 2015
Most classical museum in London! If you don't like Renaissance or 1800's paintings, I suggest staying in the Van Gogh and "modern" wing. It should be a 30 minut visit
Zach StockwellJuly 23, 2015
Been here 5+ times
It's free. Do one section then leave. Come back another day for more. This gallery works excellently for discrete visits.
JacquesMay 13, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Lots of lovely portraits here. Spend a few hours admiring the paintings ; then stroll round to the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square
Suzi WaddellSeptember 19, 2014
Could spend hours here. Most exhibitions are free. good selection of modern portraits, the BP Portrait Artist of Year exhibition very good.
Michelin Travel & LifestyleJanuary 14, 2014
See UK history from Henry VII to today in portraits, then check out the ground and first floor temporary exhibitions. – Green Guide Editor
Arix BiNovember 6, 2016
Very beautiful Museum with the portraits from the Tudor era to now (like princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II), free!
Ankur PatelAugust 26, 2014
The portrait gallery is great, but is often missed by those who only visit the national gallery next door. Well laid out chronologically, and definitely worth a visit.
JustinNovember 9, 2015
Great & highly varied collection, visit room 24 on the first floor to see pairs of paintings hung at angles allowing them to be viewed together (innovative & effective)
Alastair HiltonSeptember 16, 2014
For art lovers this is THE place to come. You'll need to set aside a day if you want to see everything.
Ezryn ZarofOctober 15, 2018
I went to the Michael Jackson exhibition and it was nice!
Ана ЛековићAugust 6, 2019
Not bad to learn a bit about some famous people from British history, but if you're in town for a short time there are more impressive museums, especially National gallery next door.
miztinAugust 18, 2014
A brilliant gallery in the heart of London. Lovely collection is worth the visit.
Otel.comOctober 11, 2011
Here, you will see amazing portraits (drawings, paintings, photos, sculptures, etc.) of notable figures of the country's history like those of Shakespeare, Henry VII, and the band Blur. Opens 10 am.
MLe BApril 19, 2018
Open until 9 on Thursday’s and Fridays!!
Ksenia V.August 3, 2018
The annual exhibition of contemporary portrait artists. You can even vote for your fav!
NuffAugust 6, 2016
An amazingly diverse collection that looks at (predominately British) portraiture from all angles and time ages.
MD's Sandwiches & CaféJanuary 2, 2012
20% off for all Lucian Freud Fans/Lovers, with your entry ticket.... we are just 50meters from the NPG. We are a Viennese Cafe with open Sandwiches, new in London and already talk of town.
Ieva AndrukaitytėMarch 6, 2016
If you have to choose between the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery, go to the National Gallery. Much more impressive and diverse.
E K KFebruary 15, 2016
One of UK's museum gems. Fine historical collections and the occasional modern photographic exhibitions too.
Pau ArlandisJune 27, 2015
I entered here with not too much enthusiasm and I exited completely enchanted. I love this museum, you can learn a lot history here even if you don't want you. Worst: you can't take pics :(
paris mcmahonNovember 14, 2015
The restaurant in the top floor is one of central London's best kept secret for drinks & dinner - stunning views
Stephanie FosterNovember 28, 2015
Powerful Giacometti exhibition on currently. Really a must see! Existentialism embodied.
Darryl EllsonAugust 24, 2014
Wonderful gallery. Far better than the national. Art with a history lesson. Opens until 9pm on Thursdays.
Sedat Ö.April 10
Would be perfect, if a kind of timeline walking arrows added, but all good 👍🏻
Frances PangilinanDecember 19, 2013
They have a 1-hour tour that starts at 2:30pm. Great way to see the important stuff...fast!
BritannicaAugust 3, 2011
The gallery was founded by an act of Parliament in 1856 and was housed at a number of locations until its present home. One of the most famous portraits is the Younger of Henry VIII by Hans Holbein
Hendy OngkodjojoJanuary 1, 2015
Great portrait gallery showcasing different portrait types from all ages and many award winning contemporary portraits through the various exhibitions.
Bianca NgAugust 28, 2016
I love portraits so this gallery was perfect for me. It's so interesting to see all the different styles.
Jude HabibDecember 5, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Did you know that the National Portrait Gallery runs an amazing outreach programme with community groups in London. Take a look at their website to find out more.
Mia BAugust 9, 2014
The art is excellent. Usually quieter than National Gallery. The cafe is also a good meeting place.
London24May 9, 2012
The National Portrait Gallery has been visited by numerous heads of state. Another interesting visitor was a tiger cub from the national zoo, who was named after then Gallery Director, Marvin Sadik.
Melissa TgsNovember 1, 2010
By recommendation i started with Van Gogh, following the turns into more biblical, ornate and tactile pieces i.e. Carlo Crivelli << i like! The space is HUGE, so make u sit and rest between trips, :)
EDRSeptember 19, 2015
Always hosting very interesting shows, one of my favourite cultural places in London.
Giacomo MasonOctober 3, 2016
I don't personally love the permanent collection, but the exhibitions are mostly great every time!
Nataly KoukoushkinaAugust 16, 2013
Free admission. Wonderful collection for better understanding of the royal tree. The portrait of Catherine Middleton (2012) is already there, btw :)
Roman GaponenkoMarch 22, 2014
The restaurant on top has one of the best views in London. Few know about it, so welcome to the club.
Katerina AnnaJuly 28, 2015
Been here 10+ times
My favourite museum in London. If you like portraits, it's definitely a must visit!

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