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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

Sunday 19 March 2023 – Wednesday 19 March 2025

Collection display in Gallery Five, 2019
Collection display in Gallery Five, 2019
Collection display in Gallery Five, 2019
Collection display in Gallery Five, 2019

Collection display galleries

Exhibition open every day

The collection display includes a wide selection of portraits that tell extraordinary stories of encounter, exploration, independence, individuality and achievement in Australia.

Portrait23: Identity logo
Portrait23: Identity logo
Portrait23: Identity logo
Portrait23: Identity logo

Portrait23: Identity

Exhibition closes 18 June

Portraiture. Not as you know it. We invite you to stretch, push, resist and transcend portraiture’s conventional constraints.

Four works from Happy Australian, 2022 Vipoo Srivilasa
Four works from Happy Australian, 2022 Vipoo Srivilasa
Four works from Happy Australian, 2022 Vipoo Srivilasa
Four works from Happy Australian, 2022 Vipoo Srivilasa

Portrait 23: Identity tour

11:15am, Fri 10 Mar until Sun 18 Jun

Join us in the Gallery for a free 30-minute tour of Portrait23: Identity, as we stretch, push and transcend portraiture’s conventional constraints.

Bookings available
Play on (A portrait of Neale Daniher)
Play on (A portrait of Neale Daniher)
Play on (A portrait of Neale Daniher)
Play on (A portrait of Neale Daniher)

Collection Highlights Tour

2:15pm, Daily until Fri 30 Jun

Take a 30 minute tour of the Portrait Gallery exploring the collection and the building.

Bookings available
Rosemary Madigan
Rosemary Madigan
Rosemary Madigan
Rosemary Madigan

Virtual Highlights Tour

The artist’s studio

12:30pm, Tue 21 Mar
Live online

Pop on your smock and sturdy shoes and join us for a peek into where artists work. Whether inside, outside or out and about, we’ll look at the places they wield their tools and create.

Bookings required
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks

Audio described tour

1:00pm, Wed 22 Mar

Join us in the Gallery as we explore Portrait23: Identity with audio descriptions for visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Bookings required
Twelve portraits of finalists for the Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize 2023
Twelve portraits of finalists for the Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize 2023
Twelve portraits of finalists for the Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize 2023
Twelve portraits of finalists for the Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize 2023

Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize 2023

Exhibition opens 25 March

Little Darlings is for primary and secondary students, with four separate categories across Kindergarten to Year 12. Responding to the theme ‘identity’, students painted, drew, photographed, printed or combined all of these to make their portrait.

A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water

Culture Cruise

Presented by Australian Dance Party

10:30am, Sat 25 Mar

Travel via lake cruise on the stunning Lake Burley Griffin to Canberra's premiere cultural destinations: The National Portrait Gallery and The National Museum of Australia.

Bookings required
Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait

Virtual Highlight Tour

Dazzling Daughters

12:30pm, Tue 28 Mar
Live online

Pull up a virtual chair and join us as we look at four dazzling daughters from our permanent collection!

Bookings required
Me
Me
Me
Me

Little Faces

10:30am, Wed 29 Mar until Thu 30 Mar

This autumn, join a Learning Facilitator to look at the portrait “Me” by Ken Done to explore ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­colour, patterns and faces through movement, singing and crafty play.

Bookings required
Me
Me
Me
Me

Little Faces

9:30am, 10:30am, Fri 31 Mar

This autumn, join a Learning Facilitator to look at the portrait “Me” by Ken Done to explore ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­colour, patterns and faces through movement, singing and crafty play.

Bookings required
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau

A Stitch in Time

12:30pm, Sat 1 Apr

Are you a super sewer / embroider extraordinaire / confident crafter? Then why not join us in the Gallery for a sewing circle with artist Deborah Kelly!

Bookings required
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau

A Stitch in Time

12:30pm, Sun 2 Apr

Are you a super sewer / embroider extraordinaire / confident crafter? Then why not join us in the Gallery for a sewing circle with artist Deborah Kelly!

Bookings required
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks

Audio described tour

1:00pm, Mon 3 Apr

Join us in the Gallery as we explore Portrait23: Identity with audio descriptions for visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Bookings required
Florence Broadhurst
Florence Broadhurst
Florence Broadhurst
Florence Broadhurst

Virtual Highlights Tour

Inside Voices

12:30pm, Tue 4 Apr
Live online

Put down the drop sheet and join us from your living room, as we dive deep into the minds behind loud colours, bold patterns and bright interiors.

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

April Spotlight Series

10:15am, Wed 5 Apr

We're back on again in April for the next of our Spotlight Series! This time Karena – our Exhibitions Manager – will be taking a look at Dr Joseph Brown with Two Typists by Noel McKenna.

Bookings required
A boy drawing on paper with a pencil
A boy drawing on paper with a pencil
A boy drawing on paper with a pencil
A boy drawing on paper with a pencil

Art Cart

10:00am, Fri 7 Apr until Sun 23 Apr

Our popular art cart is back for the school holidays! Ponder your place in the world and reflect on your own identity by making your own ‘me tree’.

Bella Groove
Bella Groove
Bella Groove
Bella Groove

Drawn in

Bella Groove

1:00pm, Sun 9 Apr

Draw while listening to Bella Groove as they play an assortment of originals alongside familiar jazz and blues tunes.

Portrait play
Portrait play
Portrait play
Portrait play

Portrait Play

10:30am, Tue 11 Apr until Fri 14 Apr

Explore portraits through drawing and creative activity in the galleries.

Bookings required
Professor Germaine Greer
Professor Germaine Greer
Professor Germaine Greer
Professor Germaine Greer

Virtual Highlights Tour

Storm in a Teacup

12:30pm, Tue 11 Apr
Live online

What’s all the fuss about? Grab a cuppa and join us as we look at three sitters in our collection who have, unwittingly or deliberately, created storms in teacups.

Bookings required
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily

Slow art day

2:00pm, Sat 15 Apr

Rush in, slow down and take a looong look at a few portraits, then meet to share your thoughts and observations.

Bookings required
Dulcie Sharpe and Rhonda Sharpe in a room with a brown tile floor, next to a wooden table with soft animal sculptures
Dulcie Sharpe and Rhonda Sharpe in a room with a brown tile floor, next to a wooden table with soft animal sculptures
Dulcie Sharpe and Rhonda Sharpe in a room with a brown tile floor, next to a wooden table with soft animal sculptures
Dulcie Sharpe and Rhonda Sharpe in a room with a brown tile floor, next to a wooden table with soft animal sculptures

Colourful creatures workshop

11:30am, Sun 16 Apr

Join acclaimed Yarrenyty Arltere Artists who live and work in Mparntwe/Alice Springs in a creative walk-up sewing workshop.

Portrait play
Portrait play
Portrait play
Portrait play

Portrait Play

10:30am, Mon 17 Apr until Fri 21 Apr

Explore portraits through drawing and creative activity in the galleries.

Bookings required
Richard Johnson 23 May 2009 3:07PM
Richard Johnson 23 May 2009 3:07PM
Richard Johnson 23 May 2009 3:07PM
Richard Johnson 23 May 2009 3:07PM

Sharing stories of sharp edges and smooth finishes

11:15am, Mon 17 Apr until Fri 21 Apr

Awaken a sense of place and belonging and explore the National Portrait Gallery building and discover the award-winning design elements and cultural significance.

Bookings available
Self Portrait #1
Self Portrait #1
Self Portrait #1
Self Portrait #1

Virtual Highlights Tour

Not just a face

12:30pm, Tue 18 Apr
Live online

Grab your rucksack and join our Collection Administrator, Renee Joyce to explore the role of place in providing portraiture’s context and narrative.

Bookings required
Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke

Story time - Fashionista

Reading with author, Maxine Beneba Clarke

10:30am, Wed 19 Apr

Join Maxine Beneba Clarke as she reads her book Fashionista, leads us in craft activities and finishes in a flurry with a fashion parade finale!

Bookings required
Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke

Story time - Fashionista

Reading with author, Maxine Beneba Clarke

2:00pm, Wed 19 Apr
Live online

Calling all fashionistas, fashion-resisters, fun lovers, fun makers and cool creators! Join Maxine Beneba Clarke as she reads her book Fashionista, leads us in craft activities and finishes in a flurry with a fashion face-off finale!

Bookings required
Visitors in Portrait23: Identity featuring works by Atong Atem, Dylan Mooney and Deborah Kelly.
Visitors in Portrait23: Identity featuring works by Atong Atem, Dylan Mooney and Deborah Kelly.
Visitors in Portrait23: Identity featuring works by Atong Atem, Dylan Mooney and Deborah Kelly.
Visitors in Portrait23: Identity featuring works by Atong Atem, Dylan Mooney and Deborah Kelly.

Relaxed mornings

9:00am, Sun 23 Apr

Explore our special exhibition Portrait23: Identity and the main collection before our usual opening hours. We’ll have low sensory spaces, quiet areas and a creative activity for families to enjoy together.

Bookings required
Me
Me
Me
Me

Little Faces

10:30am, Wed 26 Apr until Thu 27 Apr

This autumn, join a Learning Facilitator to look at the portrait “Me” by Ken Done to explore ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­colour, patterns and faces through movement, singing and crafty play.

Bookings required
Stephen Page, 2021 Daniel Boud
Stephen Page, 2021 Daniel Boud
Stephen Page, 2021 Daniel Boud
Stephen Page, 2021 Daniel Boud

Andrew Sayers Memorial Lecture – CLANSHIP

Stephen Page AO, former Artistic Director of Bangarra

6:00pm, Thu 27 Apr

This year’s lecture will be delivered by Stephen Page AO, former Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre and descendent of the Ngugi/Nunukul people of the Quandamooka Nation and the Munaldjali clan of the Yugambeh Nation from South East Queensland.

Bookings required
Me
Me
Me
Me

Little Faces

9:30am, 10:30am, Fri 28 Apr

This autumn, join a Learning Facilitator to look at the portrait “Me” by Ken Done to explore ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­colour, patterns and faces through movement, singing and crafty play.

Bookings required
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks

Virtual Highlights Tour

Gnarly Trees

12:30pm, Tue 2 May
Live online

Join a Portrait23: Identity conversation during May! This week artists Mark Smith and Ross Coulter discuss their artworks, processes and influences with curator Penny Grist.

Bookings required
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks

Audio described tour

1:00pm, Thu 4 May

Join us in the Gallery as we explore Portrait23: Identity with audio descriptions for visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Bookings required
Rhythm Syndicate choir standing together on stage
Rhythm Syndicate choir standing together on stage
Rhythm Syndicate choir standing together on stage
Rhythm Syndicate choir standing together on stage

Rhythm Syndicate Choir

1:00pm, Sat 6 May

Listen along to Rhythm Syndicate’s musical offering of high energy jazz classics.

Photo credit: Art Atelier
Photo credit: Art Atelier
Photo credit: Art Atelier
Photo credit: Art Atelier

Australian Dance Week 2023

Identity

10:30am, Sun 7 May

Ausdance ACT will be in the Gallery during Australian Dance Week to enhance your Portrait 23: Identity exhibition experience!

Tarryn Gill
Tarryn Gill
Tarryn Gill
Tarryn Gill

Virtual Highlights Tour

Becoming Limber

12:30pm, Tue 9 May
Live online

Stretch out and sit back as artist Taryn Gill discusses her artwork, process and influence with First Nations Curator Rebecca Ray.

Bookings required
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau

A Stitch in Time

12:30pm, Thu 18 May

Are you a super sewer / embroider extraordinaire / confident crafter? Then why not join us in the Gallery for a sewing circle with artist Deborah Kelly!

Bookings required
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau

A Stitch in Time

12:30pm, Fri 19 May

Are you a super sewer / embroider extraordinaire / confident crafter? Then why not join us in the Gallery for a sewing circle with artist Deborah Kelly!

Bookings required
Me
Me
Me
Me

Little Faces

10:30am, Wed 24 May until Thu 25 May

This autumn, join a Learning Facilitator to look at the portrait “Me” by Ken Done to explore ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­colour, patterns and faces through movement, singing and crafty play.

Bookings required
Jimmy Barnes at The Coogee Bay Hotel
Jimmy Barnes at The Coogee Bay Hotel
Jimmy Barnes at The Coogee Bay Hotel
Jimmy Barnes at The Coogee Bay Hotel

In Conversation

Pub Rock

11:00am, Thu 25 May
Live online

Fluff your mullet, squeeze into your jeans and join our Director Collection and Exhibitions Sandra Bruce, musician and producer Paul Greene, and musician George Bishop of El Horses fame for a local beer garden chat about this loud and sweaty exhibition.

Bookings required
Me
Me
Me
Me

Little Faces

9:30am, Fri 26 May

This autumn, join a Learning Facilitator to look at the portrait “Me” by Ken Done to explore ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­colour, patterns and faces through movement, singing and crafty play.

Bookings required
Deborah Mailman
Deborah Mailman
Deborah Mailman
Deborah Mailman

Reconciliation Week highlights tours

Be a Voice for Generations

2:15pm, Sat 27 May until Sat 3 Jun

To celebrate Reconciliation Week, our free highlights tours will focus on some remarkable, resilient and inspirational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the collection, exploring our shared histories, cultures and achievements.

Bookings available
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks

Audio described tour

1:00pm, Wed 7 Jun

Join us in the Gallery as we explore Portrait23: Identity with audio descriptions for visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Bookings required
Nine square images of previous winners of the National Photographic Portrait Prize
Nine square images of previous winners of the National Photographic Portrait Prize
Nine square images of previous winners of the National Photographic Portrait Prize
Nine square images of previous winners of the National Photographic Portrait Prize

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023

Exhibition opens 17 June

The exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects. Entries are now open!

More events

Thursday 20 March 2025 – Sunday 21 March 2027
© National Portrait Gallery 2023
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Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia

Phone +61 2 6102 7000
Fax +61 2 6102 7001
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