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National Portrait Gallery, Canberra

4.6

Art Museum · Museum

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Opened in 2008 and conveniently located on King Edward Terrace, National Portrait Gallery displays nearly 400 portraits of prominent Australians who have helped shaped their nation. Portraits exhibited here represent a variety of media and are displayed in several galleries, each symbolizing a different era of the country's history. The venue often hosts temporary exhibitions from around the world, as well as lectures and seminars by well-known art scholars and historians. Visitors have access to several public areas inside or next to this building, including a small cafe, an events room, a theater, a well-stocked bookstore, and secure parking. Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Canberra using our trip planner.

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Tours to National Portrait Gallery

FROM $44 BOOK WITH VIATOR Women's History Walking Tour with Local Guide in Canberra Women's History Walking Tour with Local Guide in Canberra

5.0

Duration: 3 hours

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National Portrait Gallery reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,831 reviews

Google

4.5

By Paul W

Spent an hour at the gallery with my three tennage boys waiting for our session at the near-by war memorial to open. We all loved it! I didn't think the boys would become so involved but they did...

Spent an hour at the gallery with my three tennage boys waiting for our session at the near-by war memorial to open. We all loved it! I didn't think the boys would become so involved but they did... more »
By emilykn1

A stunning gallery. We were able to spend maybe two hours wandering around the exhibits and absolutely could have spent more time. Each portrait was excellently displayed. The information placards..... more

A stunning gallery. We were able to spend maybe two hours wandering around the exhibits and absolutely could have spent more time. Each portrait was excellently displayed. The information placards..... more »
By Marilyn S

Give it a quiz squizz but there is a huge gap between portraits and the person. I was looking forward to it with high expectations but completely underwhelmed. Many of the portraits were kingsized...

Give it a quiz squizz but there is a huge gap between portraits and the person. I was looking forward to it with high expectations but completely underwhelmed. Many of the portraits were kingsized... more »

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By Steven Heath

Following a stop at the adjacent High Court (not to be missed by brutalist architecture lovers), we popped in for a first ever visit to the gallery. We half expected a 'dry' portraits exhibition and were very pleased to have that impression relinquished. A wide variety of styles and subjects made it both interesting and worthwhile. Sculpture, paintings, photography etc all made for a well rounded visit. An excellent cafe too.

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By Jo Moore

Very interesting. Great way to see a different more personal touch to history. Lovely the interactive app where you could "hear the portraits speak." Also went to one of the events and had a blast. Hope they do more night time events. Worth the money

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By Ankur Passi

Great collection of art and amazing works to look into. Such a warm welcome at the entrance as well. There is also a little art shop and a nice cosy cafe in the gallery which makes the experience more enjoyable.

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By Ray

Went down to see the exhibition from the London Portrait gallery, thought maybe 45 minutes. Was close to 2 hours with a great coffee and cake. The regular gallery is also really enjoyable. Bonus is a short walk only to the National Gallery Blue Poles, brilliant traditional indigenous arts and sculpture garden.

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By Joemar Mante

Very nice collection of portraits in varying mediums. The one with Olivia Newton John was my favourite only because I love contemporary stuff. Come early to avoid crowds

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