National Portrait Gallery
London · United Kingdom · Founded 1856
Good for: History Enthusiasts · First-timers · Art Lovers
1856
Founded
2023
Reopened
2 hours
Recommended Visit
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. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (2 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About National Portrait Gallery
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.
2 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at National Portrait Gallery without museum fatigue. · 2 hours
- 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.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define National Portrait Gallery — and why they matter.
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 & 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
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 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and 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 Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. 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.
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