T
he National Portrait Gallery was founded in 1856. There were only 57 paintings in the collection when it was first exhibited.
Today the gallery's collection includes over 9000 portraits. The works of art come in a variety of forms, not just paintings. There are also sculptures, photographs, and silhouettes. Keeping up with modern times there are even video portraits.
The collections, arranged in themed rooms, covers a vast range from bygone kings and queens to present day rock stars.
Disabled Access
All areas of the National Portrait Gallery are accessible to visitors using wheelchairs or with mobility difficulties including the Ondaatje Wing Theatre, IT Gallery, The Portrait Restaurant, the Gift Shop, Book Shop, the Portrait Café and the Cloakroom facilities which are directly accessible by lifts. Please note that the Royal Landing is only accessible via a manual stair-climber. The Heinz Archive and Library (by appointment only) is accessible to visitors using wheelchairs.
Gallery wheelchairs can be provided for visitors with mobility difficulties. Please request a wheelchair in advance of your visit on 020 7306 0055 ext 216 or contact the Information Desk on the day of your visit. The Gallery has two wheelchairs both of which have to be operated manually.
There are four unisex toilets, which are accessible to wheelchair users.
Admission to the National Portrait Gallery is FREE
Opening Times
Mon - Sun 10:00 - 18:00
Thurs - Fri 10:00 - 21:00
Address: St Martin's Place, Westminster, London, WC2H 0HE
Tel: +44 (0)20 7306 0055
Nearest Underground (Tube) Stations: Charing Cross and Leicester Square