About the Exhibition
The National Portrait Gallery London carries the most extensive collection of photographs in the entire world. Its photos range from those taken in the 16th century to the present times. Although there are 215,000 images in all, only 1,400 are displayed in the gallery during viewing times, so you will always find new things to look at every time you visit.
Ticket price and way to get there
You can enter the Gallery for free, but some exhibitions and events require a paid ticket. Prices can vary from £4 to £150. Joining as a Gallery Supporter can make you attend these for free.
You can arrive at the National Portrait Gallery in London by underground, by bus, by rail (Charing Cross and Blackfriars Railway Stations), and by car or taxi from any of the hotels in North West London.
More Places to visit nearby
You can visit these nearby attractions as well:
- Trafalgar Square
- Leicester Square
- Guided Walks and Private London Tours in Trafalgar Square
- The Harry Potter London Tour, outside Leicester Square
- Brit Movie Tours in Golden Cross House at 8 Duncannon Street
- London Walkabout Tours in Charing Cross Station
- Bluestocking Books (a tour of independent book shops): starts and ends near an underground station
You can also read: London’s Royal Academy Summer Show
Things to do
Portrait viewing is the main thing-to-do in the Gallery. There are temporary and permanent exhibitions on display.
The Gallery has temporary exhibitions located on the ground floor near the ticket desk. Contemporary portraits can be viewed nearby.
The permanent collection is arranged chronologically. The second floor has the earliest pieces that start with the Tudor period, the first floor contains Victorian and 20th-century portraits, and the ground floor harbors contemporary photos.
The Thursday Lunchtime Lectures tackle diverse topics about art and beyond. These are priced at £4 each.
Friday Lates are for learning and socializing. It is held in the bar and accompanied by talks, music, art, food, and drinks. Entrance is for free.
Different Weekend Workshops are held at the Gallery. They are priced £150 each, with discounts for Gallery Supporters and concessions.
The Gallery has family-friendly facilities and activities. During weekends and holidays, the entire family can join a wide range of workshops that hone their art skills. The art cart provides various art materials that are suitable for people of all ages. The portrait café offers kid’s lunch boxes for school holidays.
Young people aged 14-21 years old can use resources and join events for free. Some of the offers for youth are art and photography events and workshops, the youth forum, a guide to self-portraiture, and musical portraits, to name a few.
Nearest Tube
The nearest tube to the National Portrait Gallery is Leicester Square Tube Station in Cranbourn Street, Charing CrossTube Station at Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus Tube Station. They are 3 to 4 minutes from the Gallery.
Accommodation
London has many interesting places that are tour-worthy. If you’re from far away and want to spend time exploring, consider getting accommodation then you can pick Palm Hotel which is also one of the most popular wedding venues in North West London, where you can stay in budget.
bestwesternpalmhotel 