The National Portrait Gallery, London : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Are you looking for a great place to visit in London that is full of interesting facts and information? Then look no further than the National Portrait Gallery – the world’s first and largest gallery dedicated to portraiture! Located in the heart of Trafalgar Square, it offers a unique insight into the history of the British Isles and its people. Here, you will find a wealth of artistic works including oil portraits, miniatures, photographs, sculptures and more. Whether you’re a history buff, tourist, or simply looking for something intriguing to do in London, the National Portrait Gallery is sure to be a worthwhile and unforgettable experience. In this article, we’re going to explore some of the interesting facts as well as provide you with some essential travel tips when visiting the National Portrait Gallery in London. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Interesting Facts About The National Portrait Gallery, London

1. The National Portrait Gallery first opened on the 15th of April, 1856.

2. The collection of the National Portrait Gallery consists of over 11,000 portraits of historical and contemporary figures.

3. The Gallery is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of royal portraits, with over 500 works from the 16th to the 21st century from the Royal Collection.

4. The Gallery also draws people from all over the world to its famous Pre-Raphaelite paintings; works by Rossetti, Holman Hunt, Millais, and Burne-Jones.

5. The most famous painting in the Gallery is Hans Holbein’s 1538 portrait of King Henry VIII.

6. The Gallery is home to the only surviving painted version of William Shakespeare, created by an unknown artist in 1610.

7. The Gallery houses Britain’s only life size painting of Clive of India, painted by George Chinnery.

8. The Gallery also houses the oldest portrait in its collection, thought to be of King John.

9. In 1869, the Gallery was the first to host an exhibition of women’s portraits.

10. The National Portrait Gallery hosts around nine exhibitions every year.

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History & Information About The National Portrait Gallery, London

The National Portrait Gallery is an art museum located in London, England. Founded in 1856, it is the world’s first portrait gallery. Its collection consists of over 11,000 portraits of historical figures, ranging from Elizabeth I of England to present-day figures.

The gallery has hosted numerous exhibitions, including one on the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, an exhibition of portraits by photographer Cecil Beaton, and the National Portrait Gallery Political Portraits Prize. The National Portrait Gallery also offers lectures, seminars, and workshops. It also features a bookshop, cafe, and research library.

Visitors to the National Portrait Gallery can purchase a range of books and souvenirs in the shop and enjoy a range of exhibitions and lectures, which are all free of charge. The gallery is open to the public and there is no admission fee.

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Travel Guide For Visiting The National Portrait Gallery, London

The National Portrait Gallery is a great place to visit in London. It houses an extensive collection of portraits depicting people from around the world, both famous and unknown. Here is a travel guide for visiting the National Portrait Gallery:

1. Getting There

The National Portrait Gallery is located on St. Martin’s Place in Trafalgar Square. The closest tube station is Charing Cross. From there it’s a short walk to the gallery, making it very easy to access.

2. Admission

Admission is free for all visitors to the National Portrait Gallery, which makes it a great place to spend an afternoon.

3. Opening Hours

The gallery is open from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Sunday. It is closed on bank holidays.

4. Tours

If you’d like to learn more about the gallery or the portraits on display, you can take part in a free guided tour. The tour takes around half an hour and is offered most days.

5. Exhibitions

The National Portrait Gallery holds a range of exciting exhibitions throughout the year, spanning different topics and topics of interest. These are well worth checking out, as they usually feature some amazing artwork.

6. Other Facilities

The gallery also has a café and a gift shop, which are great places to visit and buy souvenirs. The café is open from 10am to 6pm most days, and has a range of hot and cold drinks, as well as light snacks. The gift shop is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday, and 12pm to 4pm on Sundays.

These are some of the basics of visiting the National Portrait Gallery. Remember to allow yourself plenty of time to browse the artwork and take in all the amazing works of art that are on display.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The National Portrait Gallery, London

Q: What is the National Portrait Gallery in London?

A: The National Portrait Gallery in London is an art museum dedicated to portraiture of famous people from the United Kingdom. It has a collection of over 12,000 works spanning the 16th century to the present day.

Q: Where is the National Portrait Gallery located?

A: The National Portrait Gallery is located on St Martin’s Place, London.

Q: Does the National Portrait Gallery have free admission?

A: Yes, the National Portrait Gallery is open every day and admission is free.

Q: Are there guided tours of the National Portrait Gallery?

A: Yes, there are guided tours which are available to book in advance.

Q: How long is the National Portrait Gallery open?

A: The National Portrait Gallery is open daily from 10am to 6pm. It is closed on 24-25 December.

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