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National Portrait Gallery and its collection

National Portrait Gallery
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The National Portrait Gallery in Canberra is a public art gallery that houses portraits of notable Australians. The gallery was established in 1998 and relocated to its current location on King Edward Terrace in December 2008. It offers visitors a chance to explore the faces and stories of Australians who have shaped and continue to shape our nation.

Collection of the National Portrait Gallery

The gallery's collection includes portraits of prominent Australians, either by birth or association, who have made significant contributions in their respective fields or whose lives have been of long-term public interest. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about these individuals and their impact on Australian society.

The Permanent Collection

As of 2020, the National Portrait Gallery's permanent collection comprises approximately 3000 portraits in various mediums, including photography, painting, drawing, multimedia, sculpture, and textiles. The collection continues to expand through a program of acquisitions and commissions, ensuring a diverse and evolving display for visitors.

National Portrait Prizes

The gallery presents two exhibitions known as the 'National Portrait Prizes'. The National Photographic Portrait Prize (NPPP) is an annual award for Australian photographers, valued at A$30,000 as of 2022. In March 2020, the inaugural Darling Portrait Prize for painted portraits was established, featuring a A$75,000 winner’s prize. This prize, awarded biennially, was established in honour of L. Gordon Darling AC CMG, a key founder of the National Portrait Gallery.

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DENational Portrait Gallery (Canberra)
ITNational Portrait Gallery (Australia)
FRNational Portrait Gallery of Australia

Art & Design Art & Design Contemporary art Modern art Person & Artist Photography

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#3 Art & Design in Canberra #2 Contemporary art museums in Canberra #2 Modern art museums in Canberra #2 Person & artist museums in Canberra #3 Art & Design in Australian Capital Territory #2 Contemporary art museums in Australian Capital Territory #2 Modern art museums in Australian Capital Territory #2 Person & artist museums in Australian Capital Territory #17 Art & Design in Australia #10 Contemporary art museums in Australia #5 Modern art museums in Australia #7 Person & artist museums in Australia #3 Photography museums in Australia

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National Portrait Gallery
King Edward Terrace
ACT 2600 Canberra

Images of National Portrait Gallery

Visitor information National Portrait Gallery

Opening hours

Monday
10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 17:00
Sunday
10:00 – 17:00

Admission

Entry is free except for major exhibitions

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible

Location & Map

King Edward Terrace, Canberra

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in National Portrait Gallery have been found.

National Portrait Gallery Reviews

National Portrait Gallery has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, Australia, offers visitors a rich exploration of Australian history and culture through its extensive collection of portraits. Located near other national institutions, the gallery showcases a diverse range of artworks depicting notable Australians from various fields.

    The museum's strengths lie in its well-curated exhibitions and the quality of its collection. Many visitors appreciate the mix of historical and contemporary portraits, which provide insights into Australia's past and present. The gallery space is modern, well-lit, and spacious, allowing for comfortable viewing of the artworks.

    Visitors often praise the informative descriptions accompanying each portrait, which offer context about the subject and artist. The temporary exhibitions are frequently cited as highlights, bringing fresh perspectives and themes to the gallery.

    However, some visitors note that the collection, while impressive, is not extensive enough to occupy a full day. Others mention that certain areas of Australian society or history may be underrepresented in the portrait selection.

    The gallery's cafe receives mixed reviews, with some enjoying the offerings while others find it overpriced. The gift shop is generally well-regarded, offering a good selection of books and merchandise related to Australian art and culture.

    Accessibility is a positive point, with the gallery being easy to navigate and wheelchair-friendly. The free admission is widely appreciated, making it an attractive option for both locals and tourists.

    Overall, the National Portrait Gallery provides a valuable and engaging experience for those interested in Australian art, history, and culture, though it may not appeal as much to visitors seeking a more comprehensive or interactive museum experience.

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