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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.

The Circle of Friends Program is Changing

Two people walking through Gallery two

We've taken a look at how we can make the Circle of Friends more accessible and rewarding. The result is a stronger program, designed to bring you closer to the Gallery and experiences offered. Your support brings exhibitions to life and helps create opportunities for audiences to connect with art and ideas.

These changes are designed to make your membership more valuable and meaningful, regardless of whether you visit every week or stay connected from afar.

WHAT'S CHANGING?

From 14 September, you will have access to a range of enhanced benefits, including:

  • Free parking between 10:00am - 4:00pm every day, making it easier than ever to drop in for some art or coffee with friends (terms and conditions apply).
  • Free weekly guided tours, giving you the opportunity to explore exhibitions and the collection. Replacing our monthly Spotlight Series, this offers more regular explorations of the art you love.
  • Complimentary access to ticketed exhibitions through our dedicated Members' Days. Even better, you can bring a friend for free. Art is better when you're with friends!
  • Two exclusive curator talks each year, providing behind-the-scenes glimpses into the collection, exhibitions and just what it takes to make a Gallery hang look so good.

WHAT'S STAYING THE SAME?

We're also retaining the benefits you told us you liked the most, including:

  • Invitations to exclusive member events and openings
  • Special members prices for exhibition tickets and paid programs
  • Discounts at the Portrait Cafe and The Curatoreum
  • Subscription to Portrait magazine, delivered direct to your door twice a year.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

These new benefits will be automatically applied to your membership on 14 September. To ensure the Gallery can keep delivering this enhanced program, there will be an increase to membership fees, which will come in effect on the same day.

If you'd like to learn more about your updated benefits or how you can make the most of your membership please contact the Membership team via [email protected] or 02 6102 7022.

© 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