Virtual Excursions, National Portrait Gallery

What will you experience?

All our live video programs encourage participants to explore new ideas, ways of seeing and to respond creatively, in order to understand and appreciate Australian history, people and art.

Our tours are very flexible and can be tailored to almost any area of Australian history, society and culture. With over 3000 portraits of prominent Australians, there’s a lot to explore. And our drawing and self-expression exercises can bring out the artist in anybody!

How does it work?

Virtual tours are 60-minute cultural programs where your group has access to a National Portrait Gallery tour guide and educator via video conferencing.

You simply connect using a laptop or a computer with a webcam. Connect the computer to a large screen so an audience can watch and participate.

Make a booking and the Gallery will email you more information with instructions on how to connect with us.

Bookings & contacts

Once you have decided which virtual excursion you would take, proceed to the bookings page.

Email us at bookings@npg.gov.au with any general enquiries or to discuss including specific content for your program.

Available programs

Writing on the Wall, 2019 Dr Christian Thompson AO

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2020

Photography (Years 7 to 10)

Explore the historic and contemporary works featured in our Collection and the Prize. Question what makes a compelling photograph as you examine photographers’ different approaches and feel inspired in your own art making practice.

Put Yourself in the Picture

Visual Arts (Foundation to Year 10)

What is a portrait? Explore a selection of historical and contemporary Australian examples and the stories behind them. Be inspired by the artists' techniques to create a self-portrait.

Portrait of Captain James Cook RN, 1782 John Webber

History in the Frame

History (Years 3 to 6)

From Truganini to Ned Kelly - we investigate a range of portraits to piece together Australia's development as a nation. Discover people's migration and colonisation stories, different perspectives and the historical value of portraiture.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements and activism

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies (Years 4 to 6)

How have artists captured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in portraits? Learn about the people in the portraits – their achievements, roles, stories of activism and connection with country.

Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz, 1983 Harold Thornton

Portrait of Australian Society

Civics and citizenship (Years 7 to 10)

How do we participate in this diverse and interconnected world? Reflect on your own civic responsibilities and discover the lives of individuals through their portraits and how they have contributed to Australia’s evolving identity.