© National Portrait Gallery 2025
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196
Ryan Presley: Paradise won
On view until May 2025
Marri Ngarr artist Ryan Presley's site-specific commission Paradise won is prominently positioned at the Gallery’s entrance. This ambitious new work invites conversations about the ongoing legacies of colonisation and celebrates First Nations survival and autonomy.
Joan Ross
Those trees came back to me in my dreams
Exhibition closes 27 April
The exhibition is a vibrant and dynamic exhibition by acclaimed contemporary artist Joan Ross. Transforming scenes from colonial artworks through a digital ‘cut and paste’ technique and her signature fluorescent yellow, Ross explores critical issues like climate change, greed and consumerism.
Some Lads
In Gallery Four
Open every day
The Some Lads series powerfully and playfully depicts Russell Page, Larrakia man Gary Lang, Muruwari man Matthew Doyle, and Graham Blanco, a descendant of the Mer (Murray Island) people.
Gallery One
Open every day
Drawn from the National Portrait Gallery collection, this salon-style hang references the lavish 18th- and 19th-century European salons where paintings were hung floor-to-ceiling.
Gallery Two
Open every day
Drop in drawing
Daily from Friday 29 November
Experience the vibrant flowers and foliage in our Western Courtyard through drawing and observation.
Guided Tour
The art of portraiture
11:00am, Daily
until Sat 31 May
Learn about the architecture of the building before journeying through the Gallery to hear about the lives and legacies of the portrait subjects and the artistic techniques used to tell their stories.
Bookings required
Introduction tour
Welcome highlights
2:00pm, Daily
until Sat 31 May
Join a short introductory tour of the National Portrait Gallery and discover a few key portraits.
Bookings available
Gallery Three
Exhibition closes 22 June
Gallery Three features major new acquisitions, collection highlights and favourites.
Drawn In
The Composer's Canvas
Selected Sundays in Autumn
Join us for a new iteration of Drawn in this autumn. The Composer’s Canvas is a series of drawing sessions once a month at the Gallery.
Portraits together
For people living with dementia
10:30 – 11:30am, Second Monday of the month
We offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers.
Bookings required
The Immersive World of Thom Roberts
Exhibition closes 20 July
Drawn in
Ava Martina
1:00pm, Sun 20 Apr
Listen to the soulful vocals of Ava Martina blended with electric guitar while drawing. Ava will perform a mix of originals and covers spanning generations of artists.
Portrait Play
Face the music
11:00am, Tue 22 Apr until Thu 24 Apr
Join us for Portrait Play these school holidays as we explore portraits and music. Come and meet the people that live on our walls, discover musical instruments hidden in the portraits and get creative on your journey through the galleries.
Bookings required
Relaxed afternoon
3:00pm, Wed 23 Apr
Explore the Gallery at a quiet time of day. We welcome anyone of any age who would benefit from a more relaxed gallery experience.
Virtual Highlight Tour
Art in Motion
12:30pm, Tue 29 Apr
Live online
Join us on International Dance Day for a Virtual Highlights Tour to celebrate the joy and creativity that dance brings to our lives.
Bookings required