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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 collection, 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.

If you are thinking of visiting the National Portrait Gallery, why not purchase a London Pass which will admit you to this and many other London attractions for a single payment; it also includes travel by public transport within the London area on buses, tubes and trains, zones 1 - 6. For details on the London Pass and a list of attractions that it covers, click here.

Admission to the National Portrait Gallery is FREEThe London Pass entitles you to free entry to fee paying exhibitions featuring internationally renowned artists and photographers. When an exhibition is not showing, The London Pass entitles you to a free copy of the National Portrait Gallery's fully illustrated Visitor's Guide.

Opening Times
Mon - Sun  10:00 - 18:00
Thurs - Fri  10:00 - 21:00

Nearest Underground (Tube) Stations: Charing Cross & Leicester Square