National Portrait Gallery

Two people in wheelchairs outside the main entrance of the National Portrait Gallery

Book Tickets Online

About

The National Portrait Gallery is home to the most extensive collection of portraits in the world. It is a Gallery for everyone, full of life and filled with life stories. The Gallery is accessible and inclusive to all, and entry to the Collection is free.

Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery tells the story of Britain through portraits, using art to bring history to life and explore living today. From global icons to unsung heroes, the Collection spans six centuries and is filled with the stories that have shaped, and continue to shape, a nation.

Throughout the year, the Gallery also has an exciting programme of must-see exhibitions. Encounter some of the world’s greatest artists as well as the very best in contemporary art through a variety of free and ticketed exhibitions.

The National Portrait Gallery is a place to look, learn, question, listen, eat, drink, meet, play, and join. The Gallery is committed to the accessibility of its buildings, exhibitions, services, and programmes for visitors.

For details on our accessible events, please see our events calendar here.

Visit the website for more information

Access Information

General

Additional detailed accessibility information:

Assistive listening system - There is an assistive listening system available e.g. a hearing loop.

Changing Places toilet - There is a Changing Places toilet, which includes an adult size changing bench, toilet, sink and hoist.

Emergency evacuation plan for disabled people - Personal or General Emergency Evacuation Plans are in place for disabled customers.

Fast-track queuing - Fast-track queuing is available for disabled customers.

Lift - There are lift(s) available. An evacuation chair should also be available in case of emergency.

Map / floorplan showing accessibility facilities - A map or floorplan showing accessibility facilities is available.

Seating at regular intervals - Seating is available at regular intervals.

Step-free access to all or most areas - There is step-free access to all or most areas. This may include access by ramp or lift. As a minimum, there is step-free access to an accessible toilet and at least one food and beverage outlet, where available.

Step-free entrance - There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance. This may be via a ramp or lift.

Tactile signage - Tactile signage is available. This may include Braille.

Wheelchair-accessible toilet in public areas - A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users, and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements, is available within the main public areas.

Food and Drink

Dietary requirements catered for - A selection of food is offered for a range of dietary requirements.

Wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet - There is at least one wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet on site.

This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.

Facilities

Accessibility - Food and Drink

Dietary requirements catered for - A selection of food is offered for a range of dietary requirements.
Wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet - There is at least one wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet on site.

Accessibility - General

Additional detailed accessibility information:
Assistive listening system - There is an assistive listening system available e.g. a hearing loop.
Changing Places toilet - There is a Changing Places toilet, which includes an adult size changing bench, toilet, sink and hoist.
Emergency evacuation plan for disabled people - Personal or General Emergency Evacuation Plans are in place for disabled customers.
Fast-track queuing - Fast-track queuing is available for disabled customers.
Lift - There are lift(s) available. An evacuation chair should also be available in case of emergency.
Map / floorplan showing accessibility facilities - A map or floorplan showing accessibility facilities is available.
Seating at regular intervals - Seating is available at regular intervals.
Step-free access to all or most areas - There is step-free access to all or most areas. This may include access by ramp or lift. As a minimum, there is step-free access to an accessible toilet and at least one food and beverage outlet, where available.
Step-free entrance - There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance. This may be via a ramp or lift.
Tactile signage - Tactile signage is available. This may include Braille.
Wheelchair-accessible toilet in public areas - A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users, and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements, is available within the main public areas.

Catering

On-Site cafe/restaurant/catering
Restaurant

Children & Infants

Baby changing facilities

Establishment Features

Lockers available
Public toilets
Shop
Wireless internet (WiFi) connection available

Key Features

No Smoking Attraction

Payment Methods

Cash Accepted
Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Groups Accepted

Tours and Demonstrations

Educational Visits Accepted

Travel & Trade

Group Discount

Map & Directions

Map Link

Click here to view map

Road Directions

There are a limited number of Blue Badge parking bays close to the Gallery: Find the nearest Blue Badge Bay

Public Transport Directions

The closest tube stations to The National Portrait Gallery are Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines), Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines). The closest train station is Charing Cross, located 320m from the Gallery. Alternatively, travel by bus to Trafalgar Square (our nearest bus stop is Bus Stop K/E).

Opening Times

Season (1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026)
Day	Times
Monday - Thursday	10:30	- 18:00
Friday - Saturday	10:30	- 21:00
Sunday	10:30	- 18:00

Further Information

Accessibility

Facebook

Twitter

My Planner

Type:Museums & Galleries