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National Portrait Gallery

St. Martin's Place, London WC2H 0HE, England (Mayfair / St James's / Piccadilly / Green Park )
020 7306 0055
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Ranked #28 of 890 attractions in London
Type: Art Museums
Activities: Dining
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: 2-3 hours
Description: This world-famous museum houses portraits of noted Britons from the Tudors to the present day.
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764 reviews from our community

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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2013 NEW

Five star attraction! This gallery has personality, from the Tutors to today. Our favorite portraits were of Judy Dench, Maggie Smith, and princes William and Harry. We had a lovely lunch at the Gallery's restaurant as well. We would certainly return and spend a day there.

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See 4 more reviews by 151JackieM for London
London, England, United Kingdom
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2013 NEW

We all learn a lot by meeting people through history, whether these are long gone or still with us. What better way is there to meet extraordinary, usually inaccessible, people through the eyes of world-class artists presented in a sumptuous building and curated by those who know their stuff? Sandy Nairne and his wonderful team at the NPG will regularly... More

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See 4 more reviews by AnthonyHadenWest for London
uk
Top Contributor
98 reviews 98 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 48 cities Reviews in 48 cities
34 helpful votes 34 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

We decided to visit the National Portrait Gallery as we had a couple of hours to spare - probably didn't go in there expecting a great deal but we were pleasantly surprised. There is something for everyone, from classic portraits of Royalty to Amy Winehouse. We enjoyed all of it! If like us you think it will be a little... More

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See 8 more reviews by holidaysabroad100 for London
Loudun
Top Contributor
72 reviews 72 reviews
38 attraction reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

This is well worth a visit if you are in the centre of London but allow at least an hour and a half to see everything. The portraits are excellent. The small cafe however is very expensive and not very inspiring but there are so many eateries in the vicinity I would give it a miss. The staff are very... More

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See 5 more reviews by Babsstockport for London
London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

They always have great temporary exibition, an opportunity to see altogheter pictures spread all over private collections or museums.

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See 12 more reviews by Leonty67 for London
Belfast
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

I don't know whether everyone who goes to this gallery gets the same buzz from it as I do but I have always enjoyed a visit. As far as I remember, this is yet another free London gallery and it is a memorable experience. My favourite pictures there are those of Bill Bailey and the one of Germaine Greer

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See 18 more reviews by JeannieMcInstry for London
Dorchester, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2013

Feel so lucky to be able to access such abundance of wonderful work from way back up to the present. The building itself is a work of art and the professionalism of the staff is something that should be taken on by all attractions. Cannot believe this place is free to all. Amazing facilities....great coffee bar underground with a glass... More

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See 2 more reviews by Julie B for London
Newick, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2013

Adjoining but not apart of The National Gallery. Permanent exhibits as well as frequent special exhibitions. Photography as well as other media. Many portraits of British personalities, including the Royals. 3-4 hours should cover the galleries. Excellent, although expensive gift shop and a small cafe for tea/coffee and snacks. Very convenient right off Trafalgar Square. Admission is free.

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See 9 more reviews by Dramat58 for London
London, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2013

The national portrait gallery in my opinion is better then the National gallery which is next door to it. It's less crowded and the paintings are positioned depending on the era in which they were painted. They have some phenomenal portraits and I recommend it to anyone who has an interest in art.

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See 3 more reviews by Sanj G for London
Arrochar, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013

Free admission and a superb exhibition of Indian portraits amongst other things. Great place to roam around. Downside....... not enough time to visit all exhibitions.

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See 3 more reviews by Sue W for London

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