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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

What's on

Paradise won, 2024 Ryan Presley
Paradise won, 2024 Ryan Presley
Paradise won, 2024 Ryan Presley
Paradise won, 2024 Ryan Presley

Ryan Presley: Paradise won

Exhibition open every day

Marri Ngarr artist Ryan Presley’s major installation greets you as you arrive at the Gallery, in a work that invites conversations about the ongoing legacies of colonisation.

Visitors in front of where will the story take us, 2002-2024 (printed 2024) (detail) Katrin Koenning
Visitors in front of where will the story take us, 2002-2024 (printed 2024) (detail) Katrin Koenning
Visitors in front of where will the story take us, 2002-2024 (printed 2024) (detail) Katrin Koenning
Visitors in front of where will the story take us, 2002-2024 (printed 2024) (detail) Katrin Koenning

Guided Tour

The art of portraiture

11:00am daily

Learn about the architecture of the building before journeying through the Gallery to hear about the lives and legacies of the portrait subjects and the artistic techniques used to tell their stories.

Bookings required
Visitors in front of The Quickening, 2022 (detail) Ying Ang
Visitors in front of The Quickening, 2022 (detail) Ying Ang
Visitors in front of The Quickening, 2022 (detail) Ying Ang
Visitors in front of The Quickening, 2022 (detail) Ying Ang

Introduction tour

Welcome highlights

2:00pm daily

Join a short introductory tour of the National Portrait Gallery and discover a few key portraits.

Bookings available
Albert Namatjira
Albert Namatjira
Albert Namatjira
Albert Namatjira

The National Portrait Gallery Collection

Currently on view

Browse the full list of portraits from the collection that are on view now.

Thom Roberts with Burt the Oscar Train 2017 and cushion cover
Thom Roberts with Burt the Oscar Train 2017 and cushion cover
Thom Roberts with Burt the Oscar Train 2017 and cushion cover
Thom Roberts with Burt the Oscar Train 2017 and cushion cover

The Immersive World of Thom Roberts

Exhibition closes 20 July

A free exhibition of over 100 works by contemporary Australian artist Thom Roberts. Step into his world and experience bold paintings, animation and installation works where people and places intertwine.

People looking at an artwork (Marcia Langton by Brook Andrew) in the Gallery
People looking at an artwork (Marcia Langton by Brook Andrew) in the Gallery
People looking at an artwork (Marcia Langton by Brook Andrew) in the Gallery
People looking at an artwork (Marcia Langton by Brook Andrew) in the Gallery

Art Break

12:30–1:00pm, every Thursday

Experience the joy and transformative power of slow looking. By taking your time with art, you can reconnect with the present, uncover hidden details and make personal discoveries.

Bookings required
Jimmy and Jane Barnes
Jimmy and Jane Barnes
Jimmy and Jane Barnes
Jimmy and Jane Barnes

In Bloom

A collection of the beautiful, bold and botanical

Exhibition closes 19 April

Explore the beauty and symbolism of flowers in this weird and wonderful floral extravaganza that showcases more than 50 portraits from the collection, new acquisitions and selected loans.

The Last Women, 2025 Atong Atem
The Last Women, 2025 Atong Atem
The Last Women, 2025 Atong Atem
The Last Women, 2025 Atong Atem

Atong Atem: The Last Women

Currently on view

Atem’s major new commission The Last Women embodies the artist’s vibrant style of staged studio portraiture.

Wesley Enoch and David McAllister
Wesley Enoch and David McAllister
Wesley Enoch and David McAllister
Wesley Enoch and David McAllister

One-on-one

Exhibition opens 5 July

On show in Gallery 3, One-on-one showcases portraits of pairs from the collection from the 1800s to today.

Untitled #01 (from the series Code Black/Riot), 2024 Hoda Afshar
Untitled #01 (from the series Code Black/Riot), 2024 Hoda Afshar
Untitled #01 (from the series Code Black/Riot), 2024 Hoda Afshar
Untitled #01 (from the series Code Black/Riot), 2024 Hoda Afshar

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025

Exhibition opens 16 August

The NPPP is an annual prize for Australian photographers. The year’s most outstanding photographic portrait is awarded a $30,000 cash prize and photographic equipment valued at $20,000 courtesy of our Imaging Partner, Canon Australia.

Bookings available
Tina
Tina
Tina
Tina

Tina Arena

Currently on view

National treasure, Tina Arena AM, is set to celebrate a remarkable 50 years in the music industry. In honour of her dedication, talent and incredible achievements, the National Portrait Gallery has commissioned a new portrait by renowned fashion photographer Georges Antoni.

Water Woman by Katie (8-11 years, NSW)
Water Woman by Katie (8-11 years, NSW)
Water Woman by Katie (8-11 years, NSW)
Water Woman by Katie (8-11 years, NSW)

My Awesome Australian

Available online until October 2026
Online

Explore the creativity of young Australians in this special online exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Australian honours system.

Flying Over Indulkana, 2022 Kaylene Whiskey
Flying Over Indulkana, 2022 Kaylene Whiskey
Flying Over Indulkana, 2022 Kaylene Whiskey
Flying Over Indulkana, 2022 Kaylene Whiskey

Super Kaylene Whiskey

Exhibition opens 15 November

Super Kaylene Whiskey celebrates one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists, proud Yankunytjatjara woman Kaylene Whiskey.

Bookings available
A child drawing at a wooden table
A child drawing at a wooden table
A child drawing at a wooden table
A child drawing at a wooden table

Creative Space

Super Kaylene Whiskey

10:00am, Sat 15 Nov until Mon 9 Mar

Kaylene invites you to join her party! Enjoy free creative activities in our art making space inspired by Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey.

A group of people looking at Do you Believe in Love? 2025 by Kaylene Whiskey
A group of people looking at Do you Believe in Love? 2025 by Kaylene Whiskey
A group of people looking at Do you Believe in Love? 2025 by Kaylene Whiskey
A group of people looking at Do you Believe in Love? 2025 by Kaylene Whiskey

Exhibition tour

Super Kaylene Whiskey highlights

3:00pm, Sat 15 Nov until Mon 9 Mar

Join us for a highlights tour of Super Kaylene Whiskey. Explore the artist’s dynamic practice with rich, visual stories connecting cultures, Country and celebrity.

Bookings available

The Matildas

Currently on view

Marking a pivotal moment in Australian sporting history, the National Portrait Gallery has commissioned a major new portrait of all 23 players from the CommBank Matildas FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ Squad.

Matildas: Game Face

10:00am, Sat 13 Dec until Sun 1 Feb

Celebrate our new commissioned portrait of the CommBank Matildas by artist Angela Tiatia.

A child running in front of a large audience
A child running in front of a large audience
A child running in front of a large audience
A child running in front of a large audience

Matildas: Make and move

10:00am, Sat 13 Dec until Sun 1 Feb

Create your own fan bracelet, design a soccer card, and show off your skills with fun movement challenges.

Jennifer Croom and Kylie Kwong
Jennifer Croom and Kylie Kwong
Jennifer Croom and Kylie Kwong
Jennifer Croom and Kylie Kwong

Kylie Kwong 2025 by Jennifer Croom

Portrait Artist of the Year

Currently on view

Congratulations to Jennifer Croom, inaugural winner of the ABC series Portrait Artist of the Year!

People participating in crafting activities
People participating in crafting activities
People participating in crafting activities
People participating in crafting activities

Portrait Play

10:30am, Mon 5 Jan until Fri 30 Jan

Join us these school holidays for Portrait Play, a gentle and creative program for families and young children.

Bookings required
A person drawing while sitting at a wooden table
A person drawing while sitting at a wooden table
A person drawing while sitting at a wooden table
A person drawing while sitting at a wooden table

Artists In Bloom

Workshop Series

1 and 22 Nov, 9 and 10 Jan

Artists In Bloom is a series of workshops led by artists featured in our bold, beautiful and botanical exhibition In Bloom.

Cutting out a paper silhouette in the shape of a head
Cutting out a paper silhouette in the shape of a head
Cutting out a paper silhouette in the shape of a head
Cutting out a paper silhouette in the shape of a head

Papercut Portraits

Artist Workshop with Pamela See

1:00pm, Fri 9 Jan

Join artist Pamela See for a hands-on workshop inspired by her series Making Chinese Shadows (2017).

Cutting out a paper silhouette in the shape of a head
Cutting out a paper silhouette in the shape of a head
Cutting out a paper silhouette in the shape of a head
Cutting out a paper silhouette in the shape of a head

Papercut Portraits

Artist Workshop with Pamela See

10:30am, Sat 10 Jan

Join artist Pamela See for a hands-on workshop inspired by her series Making Chinese Shadows (2017).

Children playing indoor soccer in front of a goal
Children playing indoor soccer in front of a goal
Children playing indoor soccer in front of a goal
Children playing indoor soccer in front of a goal

Little Kickers

At the National Portrait Gallery

9:15am, 11:00am, Mon 19 Jan until Fri 23 Jan

Discover the magic of sport and storytelling through art and play!

Bookings required

Drawn in

with Final Final

1:00pm, Sun 25 Jan

Draw while listening to Final Final as they perform a mix of experimental, improvised dark jazz, infused with global influences.

Children playing indoor soccer in front of a goal
Children playing indoor soccer in front of a goal
Children playing indoor soccer in front of a goal
Children playing indoor soccer in front of a goal

Little Kickers

At the National Portrait Gallery

9:15am, 11:00am, Tue 27 Jan until Fri 30 Jan

Discover the magic of sport and storytelling through art and play!

Bookings required
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery

Little Faces

10:30am, Wed 28 Jan

Do we have a treat for the smaller humans in your life! Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery

Little Faces

10:30am, Thu 29 Jan

Do we have a treat for the smaller humans in your life! Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery

Little Faces

9:30am, 10:30am, Fri 30 Jan

Do we have a treat for the smaller humans in your life! Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Painting workshop at the National Portrait Gallery in 2022
Painting workshop at the National Portrait Gallery in 2022
Painting workshop at the National Portrait Gallery in 2022
Painting workshop at the National Portrait Gallery in 2022

Winner’s Workshop

With Australia’s Portrait Artist of the Year

9:30am, Fri 30 Jan

Join the inaugural winner of Portrait Artist of the Year for a painting workshop at the National Portrait Gallery.

Painting workshop at the National Portrait Gallery in 2022
Painting workshop at the National Portrait Gallery in 2022
Painting workshop at the National Portrait Gallery in 2022
Painting workshop at the National Portrait Gallery in 2022

Winner’s Workshop

With Australia’s Portrait Artist of the Year

9:30am, Sat 31 Jan

Join the inaugural winner of Portrait Artist of the Year for a painting workshop at the National Portrait Gallery.

Drawing and art activities on a wooden table
Drawing and art activities on a wooden table
Drawing and art activities on a wooden table
Drawing and art activities on a wooden table

Art Cart: In Bloom

10:00am, Daily from Tue 3 Feb until Sun 19 Apr

Drop into the Gallery for free creative activities inspired by our In Bloom exhibition.

Men In This Town 04
Men In This Town 04
Men In This Town 04
Men In This Town 04

Virtual Highlight Tour

Portrait Palettes

12:30pm, Tue 3 Feb
Live online

Join Visitor Experience Assistant, Samantha, as she explores the dynamic use of colour in three contemporary portraits.

Bookings required
Dolly visits Indulkana, 2020 Kaylene Whiskey
Dolly visits Indulkana, 2020 Kaylene Whiskey
Dolly visits Indulkana, 2020 Kaylene Whiskey
Dolly visits Indulkana, 2020 Kaylene Whiskey

Virtual Highlight Tour

Exhibition Outro: Super Kaylene Whiskey

12:30pm, Tue 10 Feb
Live online

Join Education Delivery Officer, Nic, and Learning Facilitator, Cate for a final virtual tour of Super Kaylene Whiskey.

Bookings required
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One

Portraits together

For people living with dementia

10:00 – 11:00am, Second Thursday of the month

On the second Thursday of the month, we offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers. Connect with different portraits each month through facilitated discussion.

Bookings required
A group of people looking at Do you Believe in Love? 2025 by Kaylene Whiskey
A group of people looking at Do you Believe in Love? 2025 by Kaylene Whiskey
A group of people looking at Do you Believe in Love? 2025 by Kaylene Whiskey
A group of people looking at Do you Believe in Love? 2025 by Kaylene Whiskey

Auslan-interpreted exhibition tour

Super Kaylene Whiskey highlights

1:00pm, Sun 15 Feb

Join us for a highlights tour of Super Kaylene Whiskey with Auslan-interpretation. Explore the artist’s dynamic practice with rich, visual stories connecting cultures, Country and celebrity.

Bookings required
Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait

Virtual Highlight Tour

Keeping it in the family

12:30pm, Tue 17 Feb
Live online

Join Learning Facilitator, Cate, as she delves into the Australian artistic dynasties behind various portraits in the collection.

Bookings required
Places of Worship, 2021 The Huxleys
Places of Worship, 2021 The Huxleys
Places of Worship, 2021 The Huxleys
Places of Worship, 2021 The Huxleys

House of Heroes

Late Night

7:00pm, Fri 20 Feb

The Gallery’s annual Late Night event is back in 2026! Curated by sensational duo Will and Garrett Huxley (The Huxleys), this iteration celebrates Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey and her vibrant exhibition Super Kaylene Whiskey.

Nathan Beard with Noi
Nathan Beard with Noi
Nathan Beard with Noi
Nathan Beard with Noi

Virtual Highlight Tour

Noi

12:30pm, Tue 24 Feb
Live online

Join multidisciplinary artist, Nathan Beard, as he shares the personal and cultural influences that enrich his artworks in the Gallery’s In Bloom exhibition.

Bookings required
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery

Little Faces

10:30am, Wed 25 Feb

Do we have a treat for the smaller humans in your life! Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery

Little Faces

10:30am, Thu 26 Feb

Do we have a treat for the smaller humans in your life! Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery
A child playing in the Gallery

Little Faces

9:30am, 10:30am, Fri 27 Feb

Do we have a treat for the smaller humans in your life! Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Super Kaylene Whiskey x After The Rain Experience
Super Kaylene Whiskey x After The Rain Experience
Super Kaylene Whiskey x After The Rain Experience
Super Kaylene Whiskey x After The Rain Experience

Super Kaylene Whiskey x After The Rain Experience

Available until 9 March 2026

Make the most of your summer and indulge in an exclusive exhibition experience from two of Canberra’s major cultural institutions. The Super Kaylene Whiskey x After The Rain Experience includes one Super Kaylene Whiskey exhibition ticket, and a selection of themed After the Rain merchandise from the NGA Art Store.

Bookings required
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One

Portraits together

For people living with dementia

10:00 – 11:00am, Second Thursday of the month

On the second Thursday of the month, we offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers. Connect with different portraits each month through facilitated discussion.

Bookings required
Dr Joseph Brown with Two Typists
Dr Joseph Brown with Two Typists
Dr Joseph Brown with Two Typists
Dr Joseph Brown with Two Typists

John Brack x Noel McKenna

Exhibition opens 3 April

John Brack x Noel McKenna brings together the work of two influential Australian artists.

People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One

Portraits together

For people living with dementia

10:00 – 11:00am, Second Thursday of the month

On the second Thursday of the month, we offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers. Connect with different portraits each month through facilitated discussion.

Bookings required
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One

Portraits together

For people living with dementia

10:00 – 11:00am, Second Thursday of the month

On the second Thursday of the month, we offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers. Connect with different portraits each month through facilitated discussion.

Bookings required
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One

Portraits together

For people living with dementia

10:00 – 11:00am, Second Thursday of the month

On the second Thursday of the month, we offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers. Connect with different portraits each month through facilitated discussion.

Bookings required
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One

Portraits together

For people living with dementia

10:00 – 11:00am, Second Thursday of the month

On the second Thursday of the month, we offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers. Connect with different portraits each month through facilitated discussion.

Bookings required
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One

Portraits together

For people living with dementia

10:00 – 11:00am, Second Thursday of the month

On the second Thursday of the month, we offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers. Connect with different portraits each month through facilitated discussion.

Bookings required
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025 exhibition display
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025 exhibition display
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025 exhibition display
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025 exhibition display

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026

Exhibition opens 22 August

The National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 marks the end of one of the Gallery’s longest-running exhibitions.

People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One

Portraits together

For people living with dementia

10:00 – 11:00am, Second Thursday of the month

On the second Thursday of the month, we offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers. Connect with different portraits each month through facilitated discussion.

Bookings required
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One

Portraits together

For people living with dementia

10:00 – 11:00am, Second Thursday of the month

On the second Thursday of the month, we offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers. Connect with different portraits each month through facilitated discussion.

Bookings required
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One

Portraits together

For people living with dementia

10:00 – 11:00am, Second Thursday of the month

On the second Thursday of the month, we offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers. Connect with different portraits each month through facilitated discussion.

Bookings required
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One
People viewing portraits in Gallery One

Portraits together

For people living with dementia

10:00 – 11:00am, Second Thursday of the month

On the second Thursday of the month, we offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers. Connect with different portraits each month through facilitated discussion.

Bookings required

More events

Saturday 12 June 2027 – Tuesday 12 June 2029
© National Portrait Gallery 2026
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia

Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196

The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

The National Portrait Gallery is an Australian Government Agency