National Portrait Gallery

Discover cities like never before.

Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.

Was the “Chandos portrait” really Shakespeare? The National Portrait Gallery possesses this iconic image. It hangs here, within these very walls, a source of endless debate. The National Portrait Gallery is far more than just a gallery. It is a captivating journey through British history and identity, told through the faces of those who shaped it. Established in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery was the first of its kind in the world. It has resided at this very location in St Martin’s Place since 1896. It houses a vast collection of portraits, from Tudor monarchs to modern-day icons. Each face tells a story, from the grandeur of royalty to the struggles of revolutionaries. You’ll find compelling images of literary greats like the Brontë sisters and Jane Austen. Even the scandalous Edward VI, captured in a distorted perspective by William Scrots, awaits your discovery. The National Portrait Gallery isn’t just about the past. It holds a dynamic collection of contemporary work, constantly evolving to reflect the changing face of Britain. So as you wander through these hallowed halls, remember you are walking through centuries of stories, aspirations, and legacies. Each portrait holds a piece of the British soul.

After discovering the story of National Portrait Gallery in London, you may wonder how to explore even more. Explory makes it simple: our digital London guide connects culture, history, and unique experiences. With the interactive London city guide, you can dive deeper into the local atmosphere and follow curated routes that turn your visit into a memorable London city tour. Explory is designed for authentic London exploration. Each London guide highlights iconic places and uncovers London hidden gems that many visitors never find. With the immersive London audio guide, stories and sounds bring every step to life. Our flexible London city guide makes it easy to plan routes, discover landmarks, and enjoy storytelling that connects you with the city. Whether your passion is art, history, or local culture, Explory ensures your London city tour is unique. With a strong focus on London exploration and surprising London hidden gems, Explory gives you more than sightseeing – it creates real discovery. Download the Explory App to expand your journey. Discover more than 300 cities and over 500,000 POIs and stories worldwide. Whether you need a London guide, a reliable London audio guide, or a flexible London city tour, Explory is your key to travel differently.

More Places in London

St Mary’s Church

Londoners once nicknamed St Mary-le-Strand as St Mary-in-the-Way. For years, the church stood stranded on a traffic island. Today, thanks

Explore

Sutton House

Is this magnificent red-brick mansion really Tudor? You bet it is! This is Sutton House, the oldest residential building in

Explore

City Hall

Towering over the Thames, City Hall has become a London landmark. You can see its distinctive, bulbous shape from afar.

Explore