Situated in the Patent Office Building, the National Portrait Gallery houses a vast collection of over 10,000 portraits, mainly of Britons who have figured prominently throughout British history.
Whilst the majority of the portraits are paintings, some are drawings or photographs and there are also some busts on display. The comprehensive collection includes portraits dating from the 15th century to the present day and features Elizabeth 1, Henry VIII, James I and William Shakespeare as well as Somerset Maughan, Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher and the Beatles.
Saturday to Wednesday from 10am until 6pm. Thursday and Friday from 10am until 9pm.
The National Portrait Gallery is opposite the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, to the north of Trafalgar Square.
Leicester Square
With the exception of the Royal Landing, all areas of the National Portrait Gallery are accessible to disabled visitors. Guide dogs are permitted in all areas of the Gallery.
