# National Portrait Gallery — London, United Kingdom

> 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.

## Visitor facts
- Opening hours: Daily: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Friday and Saturday until 9:00 PM)
- Admission: ✓ Free standard admission
- Address: St Martin's Pl, London WC2H 0HE, United Kingdom
- Time needed: 2 hours
- Official website: https://www.npg.org.uk/
- Facts verified: 2026-06-30

## Highlights
- Chandos Portrait of Shakespeare — Attributed to John Taylor · c. 1600–1610
- Queen Elizabeth I (Ditchley Portrait) — Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger · c. 1592
- Portrait of Winston Churchill — Graham Sutherland · 1954 (destroyed; study survives)
- Self-Portrait with Badges — Peter Blake · 1961

## FAQ
**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.


Source: https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/national-portrait-gallery/ — World Museum Guide, independent and ad-free.