National Portrait Gallery

Australia has a National Portrait Gallery, one of only four portrait galleries in the world, in a series of restored and refurbished spaces in Old Parliament House. Established as an independent gallery only in 1997, the National Portrait Gallery has rapidly taken its place among the older and more established museums located in Canberra.

The National Portrait Gallery is many things: a collection of portraits of people who have made a major impact on Australia; a space in which portraits from around the world are displayed; and a centre for learning about portraiture and history. The Gallery has a commitment to the photographic portrait. Photographs are the most commonly produced and accessible form of portrait art in our world today. It also has a vigorous program of portrait commissions.

The main gallery space houses a permanent display of Australian portraits in all media, ranging from paintings and formal busts, to photographs and sketches while the The John and Julie Schaeffer Gallery and the Senate Gallery are devoted to a regulary changing program of both national and international exhibitions.

For more information on the Gallery, the changing exhibitions and their associated costs, go to: www.portrait.gov.au

 

Category: Galleries, Museums and Collections - Landmarks and Buildings