National Portrait Gallery
THIS VENUE IS NOW CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT.
SEE ALTERNATIVE Art Galleries
ADDRESS
St Martin's Place, WC2H 0HE
TELEPHONE
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OPENING TIMES
Last admission is 45 mins before the Gallery closes.
PRICES
Free. Special exhibitions prices vary.
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The National Portrait Gallery houses portraits of significant figures from the late 15th century to the present day. This isn't the place to come for serious works of exceptional artistic merit - the overriding aim of the National Portrait Gallery is to reflect the status of the sitter, not the artist - but where else in London could you hope to find The Beatles, Henry VIII, Sir Richard Branson and JK Rowling all hanging out together? The appeal of this gallery (opened in 1856) rests simply in its comprehensive commemoration of British history from the late 15th century to the present day through the medium of portraiture. The sense of progression and the feeling of familiarity with many subjects are what make the gallery so appealing. Having said that, critically acclaimed self-portraits by William Hogarth, Sir Joshua Reynolds and other notable British artists are also displayed alongside the 10,000 portraits of everyone from statesmen to showbiz stars and media barons. The collection represents Britain and is arranged thematically, starting with the Tudors and ending with present day politicians and pop stars. Look out for the only surviving portrait of Shakespeare taken from life in The Ondaajte Wing, the Hans Holbein cartoon of Henry VIII, the anamorphic portrait of Edward VI, and the sculpture of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in medieval costume. Photographs, caricatures, drawings and sculpture are included in the collection which also boasts 250,000 archived images. The National Portrait Gallery also hosts the annual Portrait Prize competition alongside ever-changing collections of contemporary work.
Best for: Accessible art, portraits and posing, Shakespeare and showbiz.
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National Portrait Gallery
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Corinthia Hotel London
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel
Whitehall Place, SW1A | 5 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
With 294 bedrooms, multi-level penthouse suites and terraces offering spectacular views of the River Thames, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall - the £300 million restoration of the ... More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel
Whitehall Place, SW1A | 5 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
With 294 bedrooms, multi-level penthouse suites and terraces offering spectacular views of the River Thames, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall - the £300 million restoration of the ... More
Rosewood London
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel
252 High Holborn, WC1V | 14 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Located in High Holborn, Rosewood London is the most luxurious hotel in the area and is nearby to the capital's main business district and a number ... More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel
252 High Holborn, WC1V | 14 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Located in High Holborn, Rosewood London is the most luxurious hotel in the area and is nearby to the capital's main business district and a number ... More
The Montague on the Gardens
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
15 Montague Street, WC1B | 15 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Overlooking the gardens of Montague Garden Square, this sedate hotel has a peaceful feel even though the British Museum is right next door and Covent Garden's ... More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
15 Montague Street, WC1B | 15 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Overlooking the gardens of Montague Garden Square, this sedate hotel has a peaceful feel even though the British Museum is right next door and Covent Garden's ... More
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Alternative Art Galleries nearest National Portrait Gallery
Nearest to National Portrait Gallery
National Gallery
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London WC2N | 1 minute from National Portrait Gallery
The National Gallery dominates London's Trafalgar Square with its neo-classical columns and portico designed by William Wilkins adjoining the square on its east side where it ... More
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London WC2N | 1 minute from National Portrait Gallery
The National Gallery dominates London's Trafalgar Square with its neo-classical columns and portico designed by William Wilkins adjoining the square on its east side where it ... More
Stephen Wiltshire Gallery
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
5 Royal Opera Arcade, Pall Mall, St James's, London SW1Y | 4 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Stephen Wiltshire's art work would be impressive even if you didn't know who he is. But his intricate and architecturally accurate pen and ink sketches are ... More
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
5 Royal Opera Arcade, Pall Mall, St James's, London SW1Y | 4 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Stephen Wiltshire's art work would be impressive even if you didn't know who he is. But his intricate and architecturally accurate pen and ink sketches are ... More
The Strand Gallery
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
32 John Adam Street, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 4 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Part of the Proud Galleries family, Proud Central became The Strand Gallery in 2010 expanding from a photography gallery to an exhibition space for all disciplines ... More
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
32 John Adam Street, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 4 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Part of the Proud Galleries family, Proud Central became The Strand Gallery in 2010 expanding from a photography gallery to an exhibition space for all disciplines ... More
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Sights and Attractions near National Portrait Gallery
The best museums, galleries, attractions near National Portrait Gallery
St Martin-in-the-Fields
London > Attractions > Historic Buildings
Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
This historic church of St Martin-in-the-Fields overlooking Trafalgar Square was built in 1726 and is the best known work of Scottish architect James Gibbs whose ... More
London > Attractions > Historic Buildings
Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
This historic church of St Martin-in-the-Fields overlooking Trafalgar Square was built in 1726 and is the best known work of Scottish architect James Gibbs whose ... More
Nelson's Column
London > Attractions > Sights
Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London SW1Y | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Master tactician, inspirational leader, patriotic martyr, Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson is one of England's great heroes. His Nelson's Column statue is at the very heart of ... More
London > Attractions > Sights
Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London SW1Y | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Master tactician, inspirational leader, patriotic martyr, Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson is one of England's great heroes. His Nelson's Column statue is at the very heart of ... More
The Fourth Plinth
London > Attractions > Sights
Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London WC2N | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square remained empty after its completion in 1841 - it was designed for an equestrian statue of one of Britain's Colonial ... More
London > Attractions > Sights
Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London WC2N | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square remained empty after its completion in 1841 - it was designed for an equestrian statue of one of Britain's Colonial ... More
Odeon Leicester Square
London > Entertainment > Cinemas
24-26 Leicester Square, Soho, London WC2H | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
One of London's biggest cinemas, the Odeon Leicester Square regularly plays host to premieres and awards ceremonies as well as screening the biggest of the week's ... More
London > Entertainment > Cinemas
24-26 Leicester Square, Soho, London WC2H | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
One of London's biggest cinemas, the Odeon Leicester Square regularly plays host to premieres and awards ceremonies as well as screening the biggest of the week's ... More
The 99 Club
London > Entertainment > Comedy Clubs
Storm Nightclub, 28a Leicester Square, Soho, London WC2H | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Playing across multiple venues across London seven days a week and 52 weeks a year - do they really put on shows on Christmas Day? - ... More
London > Entertainment > Comedy Clubs
Storm Nightclub, 28a Leicester Square, Soho, London WC2H | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Playing across multiple venues across London seven days a week and 52 weeks a year - do they really put on shows on Christmas Day? - ... More
London Coliseum - English National Opera (ENO)
London > Entertainment > Theatres
St Martin's Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
London Coliseum is a magnificent historic building and an excellent venue in which to enjoy the soaring sounds and high drama of some truly thrilling operas. ... More
London > Entertainment > Theatres
St Martin's Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
London Coliseum is a magnificent historic building and an excellent venue in which to enjoy the soaring sounds and high drama of some truly thrilling operas. ... More
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Shopping near National Portrait Gallery
The best shops and markets near National Portrait Gallery
Tenderproduct
London > Shopping > Art and Design
6 Cecil Court, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Tenderproduct is the second tender venture by Etan Ilfeld, who previously founded the neighbouring Tenderpixel Gallery, an innovative space for emerging talent. Tenderproduct is a shop ... More
London > Shopping > Art and Design
6 Cecil Court, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Tenderproduct is the second tender venture by Etan Ilfeld, who previously founded the neighbouring Tenderpixel Gallery, an innovative space for emerging talent. Tenderproduct is a shop ... More
Davenports Magic Shop
London > Shopping > Specialists
7 Charing Cross Underground Shopping Arcade, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 3 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
From budding Harry Potters and bumbling Tommy Coopers to dynamic David Copperfields, Davenports is a haven for magicians of every level and ability. Non-magicians too are ... More
London > Shopping > Specialists
7 Charing Cross Underground Shopping Arcade, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 3 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
From budding Harry Potters and bumbling Tommy Coopers to dynamic David Copperfields, Davenports is a haven for magicians of every level and ability. Non-magicians too are ... More
Ben & Jerry's
London > Shopping > Food and Drink Shops
Vue West End, 3 Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, Soho, London WC2H | 3 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Fosil Fuel, Phish Food and Baked Alaska, no, not a tour of the Natural History Museum but the names that Ben & Jerry have come up ... More
London > Shopping > Food and Drink Shops
Vue West End, 3 Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, Soho, London WC2H | 3 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Fosil Fuel, Phish Food and Baked Alaska, no, not a tour of the Natural History Museum but the names that Ben & Jerry have come up ... More
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Restaurants near National Portrait Gallery
What are the best dining options near National Portrait Gallery London?
Wagamama
London > Restaurants > South East Asian restaurants
140 Irving Street, Soho, London WC2H | 1 minute from National Portrait Gallery
Taking inspiration from Japanese ramman-noodle bars, Wagamama is the ultimate in high-quality, fast food. Huge bowls of steaming, soupy noodles, chicken dumplings with a chilli-soy dipping ... More
London > Restaurants > South East Asian restaurants
140 Irving Street, Soho, London WC2H | 1 minute from National Portrait Gallery
Taking inspiration from Japanese ramman-noodle bars, Wagamama is the ultimate in high-quality, fast food. Huge bowls of steaming, soupy noodles, chicken dumplings with a chilli-soy dipping ... More
The National Cafe
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
East Wing National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London WC2N | 1 minute from National Portrait Gallery
On the ground floor of the East Wing of the National Gallery, with its own entrance opposite St Martin-in-the-Fields, The National Cafe is ... More
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
East Wing National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London WC2N | 1 minute from National Portrait Gallery
On the ground floor of the East Wing of the National Gallery, with its own entrance opposite St Martin-in-the-Fields, The National Cafe is ... More
National Dining Rooms
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London WC2N | 1 minute from National Portrait Gallery
The National Gallery's National Dining Rooms restaurant won Time Out's Best British Restaurant Award in 2007 for good reasons - they do all sorts of great ... More
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London WC2N | 1 minute from National Portrait Gallery
The National Gallery's National Dining Rooms restaurant won Time Out's Best British Restaurant Award in 2007 for good reasons - they do all sorts of great ... More
The London Film School
London > Education > Universities and Colleges
24 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, WC2H | 6 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
The London Film School is the oldest-established international school of film technique in the world. The school has contributed significantly to ... More
London > Education > Universities and Colleges
24 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, WC2H | 6 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
The London Film School is the oldest-established international school of film technique in the world. The school has contributed significantly to ... More
Courtauld Institute of Art
London > Education > Arts and Drama
Somerset House, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 10 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
The Courtauld is one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, affiliated with the Oxbridge system and boasting a huge private location and prime ... More
London > Education > Arts and Drama
Somerset House, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 10 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
The Courtauld is one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, affiliated with the Oxbridge system and boasting a huge private location and prime ... More
English [Out There!]
London > Education > English Language Courses
10 Coptic Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1A | 11 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
English [Out There!] takes a very hands-on approach to learning English. The course places an emphasis on using what you have learned. Students are taken out ... More
London > Education > English Language Courses
10 Coptic Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1A | 11 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
English [Out There!] takes a very hands-on approach to learning English. The course places an emphasis on using what you have learned. Students are taken out ... More
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Leisure near National Portrait Gallery
National Portrait Gallery gyms, sporting activities, health & beauty and fitness.
AWAY Spa W London
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
10 Wardour Street, Soho, London W1D | 3 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
On the 6th floor of the W London the AWAY Spa certainly takes you away from the manic pace of life in Leicester Square ... More
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
10 Wardour Street, Soho, London W1D | 3 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
On the 6th floor of the W London the AWAY Spa certainly takes you away from the manic pace of life in Leicester Square ... More
Victoria Embankment Gardens
London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
Victoria Embankment, Villiers Street, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 4 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Created in 1874, the Victoria Embankment Gardens run parallel to the River Thames, creating a green walkway between Waterloo Bridge and Embankment, and are dotted with ... More
London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
Victoria Embankment, Villiers Street, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 4 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Created in 1874, the Victoria Embankment Gardens run parallel to the River Thames, creating a green walkway between Waterloo Bridge and Embankment, and are dotted with ... More
So SPA Sofitel St James
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
6 Waterloo Place, St James's, London SW1Y | 5 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Opened in July 2009, So SPA by Sofitel is a stunning relaxation space - all marble and modern design - housed within the Sofitel St James ... More
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
6 Waterloo Place, St James's, London SW1Y | 5 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Opened in July 2009, So SPA by Sofitel is a stunning relaxation space - all marble and modern design - housed within the Sofitel St James ... More
The Salisbury
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
90 St Martins Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Gastropub ... More
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
90 St Martins Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Gastropub ... More
Mr Fogg's Tavern
London > Nightlife > Pubs
58 St Martin's Lane, WC2N | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Themed around explorer Phileas Fogg, this traditional Victorian tavern in the heart of Covent Garden's ... More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
58 St Martin's Lane, WC2N | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
Themed around explorer Phileas Fogg, this traditional Victorian tavern in the heart of Covent Garden's ... More
THE BEST
Nightlife near National Portrait Gallery
National Portrait Gallery clubs, bars, cabaret nights, casinos and interesting nightlife.
The Lost Alhambra
London > Nightlife > Nightclubs
28a Leicester Square, WC2H | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
From the team behind Tonight Josephine and Blame Gloria, The Lost Alhambra in Leicester Square has been revived ... More
London > Nightlife > Nightclubs
28a Leicester Square, WC2H | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
From the team behind Tonight Josephine and Blame Gloria, The Lost Alhambra in Leicester Square has been revived ... More
THE BEST
Meeting venue hire near National Portrait Gallery
Where to have your meeting, conference, exhibition, private dining or training course near National Portrait Gallery.
Odeon, Leicester Square
London > Business > Venue Hire
24-26 Leicester Square, Soho, London WC2H | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
One of London's biggest cinemas, the Odeon Leicester Square regularly plays host to premieres and awards ceremonies as well as screening the week's big releases. Aside ... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
24-26 Leicester Square, Soho, London WC2H | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
One of London's biggest cinemas, the Odeon Leicester Square regularly plays host to premieres and awards ceremonies as well as screening the week's big releases. Aside ... More
St Martins Lane Hotel
London > Business > Venue Hire
45 St. Martin's Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
To enter the stunning St Martins Lane Hotel in the heart of London's Theatreland you pass through the tallest revolving door in London, a luminescent yellow-glass ... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
45 St. Martin's Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 2 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
To enter the stunning St Martins Lane Hotel in the heart of London's Theatreland you pass through the tallest revolving door in London, a luminescent yellow-glass ... More
Haymarket Hotel
London > Business > Venue Hire
1 Suffolk Place, St James's, London SW1Y | 3 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
A hip designer hotel by Tim and Kit Kemp in a grand building on the prestigious Haymarket, the broad boulevard street making for an impressive entrance. ... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
1 Suffolk Place, St James's, London SW1Y | 3 minutes from National Portrait Gallery
A hip designer hotel by Tim and Kit Kemp in a grand building on the prestigious Haymarket, the broad boulevard street making for an impressive entrance. ... More
Alternate names and popular misspellings for National Portrait Gallery
National Portrait Gallery, National Portrait Galery
Hotels near National Portrait Gallery
From cheap budget places to stay to luxury 5 star hotels see our discounts for National Portrait Gallery hotels, including Corinthia Hotel London from 0% off. |
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