The National Portrait Gallery is a museum located in London, England, dedicated to exhibiting portraits of notable individuals from British history, from the Tudor period to the present day. Founded in 1856, it is the first portrait gallery in the world.
The collection includes over 200,000 portraits in various media, including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, and sculpture. The subjects of the portraits range from royalty and politicians to artists, writers, and scientists.
The gallery's collection is organized thematically, with rooms dedicated to specific periods or subjects. There are also special exhibitions throughout the year, which focus on a particular artist, time period, or theme.
In addition to the permanent collection and special exhibitions, the National Portrait Gallery also hosts a range of educational programs and events, including talks, tours, and workshops for visitors of all ages.
The building itself is an important example of Victorian architecture and was designed by the architect Ewan Christian. The original building has been expanded several times since its opening, most recently with the Ondaatje Wing, which was added in 2000 and houses the gallery's contemporary collection.
Admission to the National Portrait Gallery is free, although special exhibitions may require a ticket. The museum is located in the heart of London, near Trafalgar Square, and is easily accessible by public transport.