Ticketed entry is in place to safely manage your visit so please book ahead. Need to cancel or rejig? Email bookings@npg.gov.au
Celebrate the people, places and sounds of Australian pub rock and its enduring impact on our nation’s identity.
Bookings requiredThe collection display includes a wide selection of portraits that tell extraordinary stories of encounter, exploration, independence, individuality and achievement in Australia.
Harriet Schwarzrock’s new work explores notions of emotional processes and their physical manifestations.
Reconnect and reflect with our new major exhibition, Australian Love Stories (in real life!) as we explore love, affection and connection in all its guises.
Bookings requiredThat’s a different name? Yep! Acknowledging how extraordinary 2020 has been, we've decided to mix it up a little and title the exhibition, ‘Living Memory: National Photographic Portrait Prize’.
An educational and fun 14-day adults’ introduction to portraiture.
Free.All visitors must pre-book for one of the daily sessions. Each day will have a limited number of people allowed.
Free. Bookings requiredLust and longing, drama and devotion, seduction and scandal! Delve into an enticing array of tales of the heart.
Free.In their own words is an audio-guide with a difference. We let the portraits of these remarkable Australians speak for themselves.
Free.In these uncertain times, with physical gatherings restricted, we can all still recall major events such as the bogong moth migration, and remain connected to each other through nature.
Free.Take a 30 minute tour of the Portrait Gallery exploring the collection and the building.
Free.Take a 30 minute tour of the exhibition.
Free.Join us as we ask the experts about the Bogongs, their migration, their role in our ecosystem, and much more.
Free. Bookings requiredJoin us in the Gallery for an intimate drawing workshop with British-Australian artist Nicholas Harding.
Bookings requiredJoin us from wherever you are for an intimate, online drawing workshop with British-Australian artist Nicholas Harding.
Free. Bookings requiredSeeing faces in random information, physical distancing and the human heart – take an intriguing three dimensional trip through the gallery.
Free. Bookings requiredDraw while listening to music. Be swept away in the moment and let colour become your instruments, line become your melody and create your own visual composition.
Free.Discover some of the artists, architects, and activists who have travelled far and wide and yet call Canberra home.
Free. Bookings requiredLindy Morrison has played in her share of bands over the years. From jazz to pop to punk, she’s been an ever-present force in Australian music.
Free. Bookings requiredJoin us on the red carpet to meet some of Australia’s fashion stars, known not just for striking poses, but also for their striking stories.
Free. Bookings requiredIs love all you really need? If so, what kind of love? Join us for an exhilarating look at love in all its guises – from lust and longing, drama and devotion, to seduction and scandal.
Join us as we navigate through portraits of those who’ve explored, adventured and endured the challenges of traversing on and off our planet.
Free. Bookings requiredJoin Australian Poetry Slam Champion CJ Bowerbird and some of Canberra’s best spoken word artists in an evening of poetry, performance and love.
Bookings requiredBe uplifted by the glorious sounds of the Clarion vocal ensemble, directed by Tobias Cole.
Free.Draw while listening to music. Be swept away in the moment and let colour become your instruments, line become your melody and create your own visual composition.
Free.Rush in and slow down for Slow Art Day. This global event has a simple mission: help more people discover the joy of looking at and loving art.
Bookings requiredFollow the wind and desert sands into the wilderness. Join us in the Gallery to listen to The story of Rosy Dock by Jeannie Baker and then create your own visual response.
Bookings requiredFollow the wind and desert sands into the wilderness. Can’t come to us? Join us online for a reading of Jeannie Baker’s The story of Rosy Dock and then create your own visual response with items at home.
Free. Bookings requiredExplore the main collection before our usual opening hours. We welcome anyone of any age who would benefit from a more relaxed gallery experience.
Free. Bookings requiredSpooky Men’s Chorale singing words of affirmation.
Bookings requiredJoin artist Ellis Hutch in the Gallery for a hands-on workshop with a nod to the ancient art of relief carving.
Bookings requiredJoin artist Ellis Hutch from wherever you are for a hands-on workshop with a nod to the ancient art of relief carving.
Free. Bookings requiredDraw while listening to music. Be swept away in the moment and let colour become your instruments, line become your melody and create your own visual composition.
Free.Listen in and feel the love with our tour for visitors who are blind or have low vision.
Bookings requiredJoin comedian Chris Ryan as she hosts a night of ‘speed dating’ with a twist!
Bookings requiredTo celebrate Reconciliation Week, our highlights tours will focus on some remarkable, resilient and inspirational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the collection.
Free.Embrace your creativity and make a thing of joy for them with craft-based designer Kitiya Palaskas.
Bookings requiredPerformance artist Weizen Ho interprets the love language of physical touch.
Bookings requiredExplore portraiture and come face to face with Australian identity, history, culture, creativity and diversity.
Timed ticketing, location, accessibility and amenities
We depend on your support to keep creating our programs, exhibitions, publications and building the amazing portrait collection!
The café is open 9:00am-3:30pm every day. The shop is open 10:00am to 5:00pm every day.