National Portrait Gallery

See Australian Icons Hanging at the National Portrait Gallery

Sitting within the Parliamentary Triangle on the pretty Parkes Place, the National Portrait Gallery is one of Australia’s landmark art spaces. From its permanent collection of portraits of homegrown icons, to an ever-changing line-up of seasonal exhibitions, the National Portrait Gallery’s displays are dynamic and always compelling.

Spend a morning or afternoon wandering around its immense archives to immerse yourself in wonderful paintings, sculpture photography and illustrations by leading artists, past and present.

Whose portraits are in the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection?

Almost every individual that has shaped and enriched Australia politically, culturally or sportingly has their portrait adorning the gallery’s walls. Be it activist, philanthropist or scientist, the collection is a who’s who of Aussie VIPs across the ages, depicted in a variety of media.

Historically speaking, you can see John Webber 1782’s oil on canvas portrait of Captain James Cook, Benjamin Law’s 1836 bust of Indigenous leader Trukanini and even folk hero Ned Kelly’s death mask.

Eminent paediatrician Dr John Yu has been captured beautifully in a glazed ceramic bust by artist Ah Xian, while singers Nick Cave and Michael Hutchence are depicted in polymer paint on canvas and photograph respectively.

What temporary exhibitions and events can I expect to see?

The National Portrait Gallery has a rolling program of events and exhibitions to suit visitors of all ages. It often partners with the National Portrait Gallery in London, showcasing a wealth of British icons from William Shakespeare to Ed Sheeran.

You’ll often find artists and authors in conversation, film screenings of classics and documentaries and drawing sessions. Geared up for kids, the National Portrait Gallery’s regular Little Faces events invites little ones to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together. Junior visitors can also get stuck into arts and crafts sessions themselves.

The National Portrait Gallery is also the home of the esteemed National Photographic Prize and Darling Portrait Prize and each year hosts exhibitions featuring all the competitors’ entries.

What else can I see and do around the National Portrait Gallery?

Close to two other landmark arts institutions, the National Portrait Gallery is in good company. To continue your art-themed exploits, why not head to the National Gallery of Australia, directly opposite on the other side of Parkes Place?

Housing the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, it offers a unique opportunity to connect further to Australia’s history and identity. Just around the corner, the attractive, heritage-listed National Rose Gardens lie in front of Old Parliament House, and opposite, the National Library of Australia’s rich archive awaits.

The National Portrait Gallery at a glance

• The National Portrait Gallery is on Parkes Place in the centre of Canberra.
• The National Portrait Gallery has an incredible permanent collection of historic and contemporary portraits of notable Australians.
• It also features temporary exhibitions of works loaned from international galleries.
• The National Portrait Gallery is opposite the National Gallery of Australia and close to the National Library of Australia.

Who is The National Portrait Gallery good for?

Families, babies and children of all ages, culture vultures and couples.

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For those with an EV, listed below are the three charging stations along the way to help with planning your trip.

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