Update on Temporary Closure of the National Portrait Gallery, National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery will close its doors from Tuesday 23 April 2019, but the public are still able to experience the home of portraiture during the four-month closure.

Director of the Portrait Gallery, Karen Quinlan says that travelling and satellite exhibitions, off-site events and an exciting digital program are all in store for everyone to enjoy.

“We may be closed but we are certainly not taking a break. We are off on an adventure around Australia – so if you cannot come to us, we are going to try and come to you.”

“Our favourite touring exhibitions will continue and during the closure our Access and Learning team will accompany the exhibitions to present tailored community and school programs around the country. In addition to this, out videographer will be on the road with the touring shows, meeting people at regional art galleries throughout Australia, recording interviews and creating new mini documentaries. These will be featured regularly on our website and social media channels.

“We’ll also be displaying a special satellite exhibition from mid-August at Parliament House ICONS - a contemporary photographic portrait exhibition of prominent Australians drawn from our collection. These dynamic and bold portraits celebrate the achievements of outstanding Australians from culture, sport and science.”

The National Portrait Gallery will then re-open in late August and Karen Quinlan will announce her plans for the 2020 exhibition program in mid-September.