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National Portrait Gallery, London

4.6

#11 of 257 in Museums in London

Art Museum Museum

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An impressively preserved, ornate structure built in the 1850s, National Portrait Gallery contains a collection of portraits painted of significant and famous British people. Perhaps the most notable portrait in the gallery is one of William Shakespeare, but there are approximately 10,000 others to view and consider. National Portrait Gallery is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our custom trip planner, London Edition.

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National Portrait Gallery Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

5,533 reviews

Google

4.6

facebook

4.6

231,958 likes

• By margob99

  I visited the BP Portraits Exhibition - I love it because it is small, not overwhelming and always, always has special and unusual paintings to admire. I make this an annual pilgrimage and have never ...  more »

• By CdK55

  A hidden gem overlooking the rooftops of Trafalgar Square towards Parliament. Light and airy with stunning views. The food was excellent - particularly the calve's liver which was cooked to perfection...  more »

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Google

• By Harvey Mains

  A wonderful museum heralding portraits of Great Britain’s past and present. Kings, queens, prime ministers and cabinet members are well represented as well as special exhibit of nationally acclaimed portraits. Also there are several seasonal gallery areas worth visiting. I tried to show in my photos, a sampling of the wonderful portraits in this exquisite gallery. It is well worth a visit. Plan on at least 2 hours to really do the gallery justice. It is free.

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• By Peter Kőváry

  Often overlooked, hidden in the shadow of the National Gallery. Even though the National Portrait Gallery doesn't have all the glamour or the prominent entrance from Trafalgar Square it is well worth the visit. Portraits of monarchs, merchants, scientists and lots of others show just how much preparation is necessary for something just as simple as a portrait. With the clear progression through time, one can easily follow how the British high society has been evolving and what details are given prominence in each era. I would totally recommend a visit and would even suggest the National Portrait Gallery over the National Gallery if you only have time for one of them.

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