Free entry (some exhibitions paid)
Seven days a week
What it is
Museum tags: Art; British history; Art; Famous figures; Fine art; Royal history; Portraiture
Holds the world’s largest collection of portraits, including famous figures from throughout British history. It recently reopened after a major rennovation, and it’s excellent (way more interesting than the name suggests), telling Britain’s story through faces.
Following a three year renovation, it reopened in 2023 better than ever, and even if – like me – you aren’t particularly interested in portraits as an art form, it’s an excellent way to learn about important people throughout history. It’s ordered chronologically, from top-to-bottom, covering many of the key figures and periods from British history. The sections on the Civil War, Global Britain – which includes portrayals of colonial expansion – and Empire and Resistance are especially interesting sections.
The more modern portraits – including Making the Modern World and Contemporary Collection – provide a great insight into modern Britain, its contradictions and culture.
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