National Portrait Gallery, Canberra

Fast Facts

Name: National Portrait Gallery, Canberra

Location: King Edward Terrace, Parkes, ACT 2600

Opening hours: Open daily 10am - 5pm | Closed Christmas Day

Description: The National Portrait Gallery is a visually stunning portrayal of Australia's identity with its many portraits reflecting who makes up the nation of Australia. Indoor activity.

Price Guide: Free entry except major exhibitions

Phone: (02) 6102 7000

The National Portrait Gallery, Canberra, located in between the High Court of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia, has approximately 400 portraits of people who are and continue to be significant to Australia.

Since early December, the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra, has been enjoying its new location and brand new building. Inside the gallery there is the permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions, a cafe, shop and function room, a theatrette and education and school group areas.

Throughout the year the National Portrait Gallery holds significant events such as the annual National Photographic Portrait Prize and the National Youth Self Portrait Prize, promoting the best in contemporary photographic portraiture by both professional and aspiring Australian photographers.

The gallery also has a series of regular free events you can attend. Each week you can visit the Wednesday Gallery Talks from 12.45 to 1.30pm and Portraits on Sunday from 2-3pm that has artists, curators or historians presenting on a topic of interest.

There are also free tours such as the Family Tour or the Introductory Tour providing insight into the main portraits in the gallery. If you want something productive for the kids to do over their holidays, the National Portrait Gallery holds School Holiday Workshops at reasonable prices for the children to enjoy.