Best for
History buffs, art lovers who enjoy learning through faces and biography
Time needed
1–2 hours
Worth it?
Yes — a focused, free complement to the National Gallery next door
Skip if
You've limited time and have to choose between this and the National Gallery
About National Portrait Gallery
Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery was the first gallery in the world dedicated purely to portraiture, built on the idea that history is easier to grasp through the faces of the people who made it. It sits directly behind the National Gallery on St Martin's Place, sharing Trafalgar Square as its front door.
The collection runs chronologically from the earliest known portrait of Henry VII through Tudor and Stuart royal portraiture, into Georgian society painting, Victorian photography (an early and important adopter of the medium), and up to contemporary portraits of figures from politics, science, music and film. The famous "Chandos portrait" of Shakespeare — the gallery's founding image and possibly the only portrait made from life — anchors the Tudor rooms.
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A major three-year renovation, completed in 2023, added a new entrance, expanded gallery space and reworked the Learning Centre, alongside a rehang that brought many previously unseen photographs and works into public view for the first time.
As with its neighbour, general admission is free, with ticketed exhibitions (contemporary photography and single-subject shows are common) as the paid element.
What to See: Highlights
- 1The Chandos portrait — the gallery's founding image of William Shakespeare
- 2Tudor and Stuart royal portraiture, including the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I
- 3Extensive Victorian photography collection
- 4Contemporary portraits of politicians, scientists and cultural figures
- 5A newly expanded gallery space and entrance following the 2023 renovation
- 6Free entry, directly behind the National Gallery
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Insider Tips
Combine with the National Gallery next door — they share Trafalgar Square
The Tudor galleries on the second floor are the most popular starting point
Friday and Saturday late openings (until 21:00) are a quieter time to visit
Check for contemporary photography exhibitions, often ticketed separately
The new entrance and layout post-2023 renovation differ from older guidebooks — check the current gallery map
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Getting There
St Martin's Place, London WC2H 0HE
Open in Google Maps →- 1Charing Cross (Bakerloo, Northern lines) or Leicester Square (Northern, Piccadilly) — both a 3–5 minute walk.
Where to stay
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you visit.
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Should You Visit?
Visit if...
- You enjoy British history told through the people who lived it
- You want a shorter, more focused gallery visit than the National Gallery
- You're interested in the history of photography as an art form
- You're already at Trafalgar Square and have an extra hour
Skip if...
- You've only got time for one Trafalgar Square gallery and prefer paintings over portraiture
- British historical figures and biography don't particularly interest you
- You're very pressed for time elsewhere in the city
Ready to Book Your Visit?
More to See in London
National Gallery
Over 2,300 Western European paintings from the 13th to the early 20th century, free to view, filling the north side of Trafalgar Square.
Trafalgar Square
London's grand ceremonial square, watched over by Nelson's Column and four bronze lions, fronted by the National Gallery — free, open 24/7, and the geographic heart of the city.