National Portrait Gallery

The vast collection of intimate portraits of people famous and otherwise is illuminated by as much natural light as possible in an elegantly designed setting.

See the faces of Australia’s history at the National Portrait Gallery. Traditional and modern painting, sculpture, collage and photography bring these personalities to life.

Famous faces, such as Nick Cave, Cate Blanchett and Rupert Murdoch, are the first images you’ll view as you enter the gallery. Discover insightful and intriguing portraits of people you may not recognise, but have important stories to tell. Journey through Australia’s history from pre-colonial times through to the convict era, federation, world wars and recent decades. Come face-to-face with prime ministers, politicians, governors and the royal family, as well as artists, musicians, activists, doctors, clergy, indigenous elders and everyday people. See how portraiture has evolved as part of art history, from oil paintings to today’s digital media technologies.

The National Portrait Gallery houses over 450 works in its permanent exhibitions. Enter an elegant modern stone and wood building that allows you to feel the Australian sunshine on your face while standing inside. The design creates harmony between the natural environment outside and the exhibits inside. Different timbers collected from around Australia appear in the building’s walls and floors.

Portraiture is often described as the most intimate of art forms. Gaze into the faces of these subjects for hours on end. Look for Ned Kelly’s death mask, an iconic piece of Australia’s enduring fascination with the famous outlaw. Throughout the year, the gallery hosts short-term exhibitions of contemporary Australian art across all mediums, including the annual National Photographic Portrait Prize which showcases excellence in new photography. Delight in a variety of live music, theatre, film and educational events.

Find the National Portrait Gallery in the same precinct as the High Court and the National Gallery of Australia, near the banks of Lake Burley Griffin. The gallery is an important stop on the way around Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle. Regular buses stop near the gallery. If you drive, make use of the underground metered parking. Enjoy a lunch at the Portrait Café and choose a beautiful gift from the Portrait Gallery Store. The gallery has free entry, with fees for some special exhibitions.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near National Portrait Gallery

National Gallery of Australia

Australia’s national gallery has objects from across Asia and the Pacific, European and American works, and indigenous, colonial and contemporary Australian art.

High Court of Australia

Observe justice in action at the highest court in the land inside a modern edifice on the banks of a tranquil lake.

Questacon

Join the kids for a day of learning about the wonders of science and technology at Australia’s national science centre.

Old Parliament House

Tour this building to see where Australian politicians met and debated for over 60 years and learn about the history and workings of Australian democracy.

National Library of Australia

Explore the collections of Australia’s biggest reference library to find books from all over the world, early European maps and documents from the first explorers.

Hotels near National Portrait Gallery

Novotel Canberra

65 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National University and Canberra Centre. National Convention Centre and Commonwealth Park are also within 15 minutes.

Pavilion on Northbourne

242 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dickson, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Chinatown, Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, and Australian National University. O'Connor Ridge Nature Reserve and Canberra Museum and Gallery are also within 2 mi (3 km).

ibis Styles Canberra

203 Goyder Street

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Narrabundah, this golf hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve, Red Hill Nature Reserve, and Callum Brae Nature Reserve. Manuka Shopping Centre and Manuka Oval are also within 3 mi (5 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 29 minutes by foot.

QT Canberra

1 London Circuit

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Lake Burley Griffin, National Film & Sound Archive, and Australian National University. City Hill and Canberra Museum and Gallery are also within 15 minutes.

Pacific Suites Canberra

100 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Australian National University, Canberra Museum and Gallery, and City Hill. Canberra Centre and Civic Square are also within 15 minutes.

ibis Styles Canberra Tall Trees

21 Stephen Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Ainslie, this eco-friendly motel is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve and within 3 mi (5 km) of Mount Ainslie and Canberra Centre. Kamberra Function Centre and Australian War Memorial are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Crowne Plaza Canberra, an IHG Hotel

1 Binara Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Glebe Park and National Convention Centre. Civic Square and Canberra Centre are also within 10 minutes.

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

30 National Circuit

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capital Hill, this motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Parliament House, National Gallery of Australia, and Old Parliament House. Australian National University and Australian War Memorial are also within 6 mi (10 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 29 minutes by foot.

Canberra Rex Hotel & Serviced Apartments

150 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Braddon, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Australian National University, Canberra Museum and Gallery, and City Hill. Canberra Centre and Civic Square are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra Dickson

45 Dooring Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dickson, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Australian National University, Mount Ainslie, and Australian War Memorial. Australian National Botanic Gardens and Canberra Stadium are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Garden City Hotel, Best Western Signature Collection

55 Jerrabomberra Avenue

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Narrabundah, this luxury hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve, Callum Brae Nature Reserve, and Red Hill Nature Reserve. Manuka Oval and Manuka Shopping Centre are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Mercure Canberra

39 Limestone Avenue

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Braddon, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Canberra Centre, Australian War Memorial, and Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve. Glebe Park and Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial are also within 1 mi (2 km).

East Hotel

69 Canberra Avenue

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Canberra aparthotel is located in the historical district, within a 10-minute walk of Manuka Oval, Manuka Shopping Centre, and The Cusack Centre. Lake Burley Griffin and East Basin are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 16 minutes by foot.

ANU - University House Hotel

1 Balmain Crescent

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Acton, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Australian National University and National Film & Sound Archive. Lake Burley Griffin and City Hill are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra James Court

74 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National University, Canberra Museum and Gallery, and City Hill. Civic Square and Canberra Theatre Centre are also within 10 minutes.

Mantra on Northbourne

84 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National University and Canberra Museum and Gallery. City Hill and Civic Square are also within 15 minutes.

Burbury Hotel & Apartments

1 Burbury CloseCanberra, Canberra

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capital Hill, this spa hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Manuka Oval, National Archives of Australia, and Manuka Shopping Centre. The Cusack Centre and Museum of Australian Democracy are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Peppers Gallery Hotel

15 Edinburgh Avenue

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Australian National University and Lake Burley Griffin. National Film & Sound Archive and RG Menzies Walk Trailhead are also within 15 minutes.

Hotel Realm

18 National Circuit

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capital Hill, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Manuka Oval, National Archives of Australia, and Manuka Shopping Centre. The Cusack Centre and Parliament House are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt

Commonwealth Avenue

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capital Hill, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Albert Hall, British High Commission, and Embassy of China. Old Parliament House and Museum of Australian Democracy are also within 10 minutes.

Central Motel & Apartments, Signature

11 Antill Street, 11

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Queanbeyan, this hotel is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Trinculo Place Park and within 3 mi (5 km) of Superkarts Go Karts and Queanbeyan Nature Reserve. Cuumbeun Nature Reserve is 2.7 mi (4.4 km) away. Queanbeyan Railway Station is 13 minutes by foot.

Ramada by Wyndham Diplomat Canberra

2 Hely St. cnr. Canberra Ave.

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Griffith, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of The Cusack Centre, Manuka Oval, and Lake Burley Griffin. East Basin and Manuka Shopping Centre are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 5 minutes by foot.

Quality Hotel Dickson

Corner Cape & Badham St.

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dickson, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Chinatown, Kamberra Function Centre, and Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve. Crace Grassland Nature Reserve and O'Connor Ridge Nature Reserve are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Alivio Tourist Park Canberra

20 Kunzea Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in O'Connor, this campground is within a 5-minute walk of Bruce Ridge Nature Reserve and O'Connor Ridge Nature Reserve. Link Walk Trailhead and Black Mountain Nature Reserve are also within 15 minutes.