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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

What's on

Tuesday 16 August 2022 – Friday 16 August 2024

Collection display in Gallery Three, April 2023
Collection display in Gallery Three, April 2023
Collection display in Gallery Three, April 2023
Collection display in Gallery Three, April 2023

Collection display galleries

Exhibition open every day

The collection display includes a wide selection of portraits that tell extraordinary stories of encounter, exploration, independence, individuality and achievement in Australia.

2020, 2021 Jaq Grantford
2020, 2021 Jaq Grantford
2020, 2021 Jaq Grantford
2020, 2021 Jaq Grantford

Darling Portrait Prize 2022

Exhibition closes 9 October

The Darling Portrait Prize is a biennial national prize for Australian portrait painting honouring the legacy of Mr L Gordon Darling AC CMG (1921-2015). The winner receives a cash prize of $75,000.

Bookings required
Silent Strength, 2021 Wayne Quilliam
Silent Strength, 2021 Wayne Quilliam
Silent Strength, 2021 Wayne Quilliam
Silent Strength, 2021 Wayne Quilliam

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2022

Exhibition closes 9 October

The exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.

Bookings required
Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize finalists
Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize finalists
Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize finalists
Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize finalists

Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize 2022

Exhibition closes 9 October

Little Darlings is for primary and secondary students, with four separate categories across Kindergarten to Year 12. Responding to the theme ‘identity’, students painted, drew, photographed, printed or combined all of these to make their portrait.

Bookings required
Linda Puna
Linda Puna
Linda Puna
Linda Puna

Mayatjara by Robert Fielding

In Gallery One

Exhibition closes 15 January

The series captures Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Traditional Owners and custodians, respected and significant leaders, advocates and artists within the communities of the APY Lands.

Siegi, 2020 Steph Connell
Siegi, 2020 Steph Connell
Siegi, 2020 Steph Connell
Siegi, 2020 Steph Connell

The National Portrait Prizes 2022 Tour

2:15pm, Mon 18 Jul until Sun 9 Oct

Join us in the Gallery as we share the stories behind the photographs and paintings in the National Photographic Portrait Prize, Darling Portrait Prize and Little Darlings.

Bookings available
Professor Penny Sackett, astronomer and physicist
Professor Penny Sackett, astronomer and physicist
Professor Penny Sackett, astronomer and physicist
Professor Penny Sackett, astronomer and physicist

Virtual Highlights Tour

Penny Sackett’s Science Week

12:30pm, Tue 16 Aug
Live online

Join Professor Penny Sackett (That’s right! One of our very own, esteemed sitters!) as she discusses all things science and portraits as we celebrate National Science Week.

Bookings required
Deborah Mailman
Deborah Mailman
Deborah Mailman
Deborah Mailman

Audio described tour

1:00pm, Wed 17 Aug

Join us in the Gallery as we explore the collection with our tour for visitors who are blind or have low vision. Sighted companions and guide dogs are more than welcome.

Bookings required
Keenan, 2021 Emma Pegrum
Keenan, 2021 Emma Pegrum
Keenan, 2021 Emma Pegrum
Keenan, 2021 Emma Pegrum

Looking at the NPPP22

12:30pm, Mon 22 Aug
Live online

An opportunity to take it slow, come together as a community, engaging with art and each other.

Bookings required
Une Femme Amoureuse, Self portrait as Mireille Mathieu, 2022 Yvette Coppersmith
Une Femme Amoureuse, Self portrait as Mireille Mathieu, 2022 Yvette Coppersmith
Une Femme Amoureuse, Self portrait as Mireille Mathieu, 2022 Yvette Coppersmith
Une Femme Amoureuse, Self portrait as Mireille Mathieu, 2022 Yvette Coppersmith

Virtual Highlights Tour

Eye on the Prize

12:30pm, Tue 23 Aug
Live online

Think you know better than the judges? Join in on the debate as we weigh up the complexities of a judged art prize while looking at the Darling Portrait Prize finalists.

Bookings required
Little faces
Little faces
Little faces
Little faces

Little Faces

Winter 2022

10:30am, Wed 24 Aug until Fri 26 Aug

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Mr. Zee, 2021 Luke Ray
Mr. Zee, 2021 Luke Ray
Mr. Zee, 2021 Luke Ray
Mr. Zee, 2021 Luke Ray

Looking at the NPPP22

12:30pm, Mon 29 Aug
Live online

An opportunity to take it slow, come together as a community, engaging with art and each other.

Bookings required
The hoodie, 2021 Jacob Nash
The hoodie, 2021 Jacob Nash
The hoodie, 2021 Jacob Nash
The hoodie, 2021 Jacob Nash

Virtual Highlights Tour

Power and Pride

12:30pm, Tue 30 Aug
Live online

Join us as we take just three powerful portraits from the fabulous National Photograph Portrait Prize and celebrate First Nations photographers and their sitters.

Bookings required
I Progetti © Eva Schroeder
I Progetti © Eva Schroeder
I Progetti © Eva Schroeder
I Progetti © Eva Schroeder

Cancelled due to illness: I Progetti Chamber Choir

Via Hibernis II – A Winter Journey: Part II

1:30pm, Sat 3 Sep

I Progetti Chamber Choir, directed by Charis Messalina de Valence, invites you to share in this musical offering as they explore new, unfamiliar and infrequently-performed choral music.

Ruby Hunter
Ruby Hunter
Ruby Hunter
Ruby Hunter

Screening

Wash My Soul in the Rivers Flow

3:00pm, Sun 4 Sep

A film that celebrates the love, lives and creative collaboration of artists Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter as they prepare and perform at the premiere of Kura Tungar—Songs from the River.

Bookings required
Miss Penny, 2021 Penelope Rudge
Miss Penny, 2021 Penelope Rudge
Miss Penny, 2021 Penelope Rudge
Miss Penny, 2021 Penelope Rudge

Virtual Highlights Tour

So cute I could eat you

12:30pm, Tue 6 Sep
Live online

Lunch? Just a snack? Come nibble on some of this year’s cutest entries of the National Photographic Portrait Prize, Darling Portrait Prize, and the Little Darlings!

Bookings required
Quentin Bryce
Quentin Bryce
Quentin Bryce
Quentin Bryce

Audio described tour

1:00pm, Thu 8 Sep

Join us in the Gallery as we explore the collection with our tour for visitors who are blind or have low vision. Sighted companions and guide dogs are more than welcome.

Bookings required
Melissa Clements
Melissa Clements
Melissa Clements
Melissa Clements

Mixing skin tones

Oil painting with Melissa Clements

10:30am, Sat 10 Sep

Join Darling Portrait Prize 2022 finalist Melissa Clements and discover the alchemy of colour mixing to create varied and luminous flesh.

Bookings required
Melissa Clements
Melissa Clements
Melissa Clements
Melissa Clements

Mixing skin tones

Oil painting with Melissa Clements

1:00pm, Sun 11 Sep
Live online

Join Darling Portrait Prize 2022 finalist Melissa Clements and discover the alchemy of colour mixing to create varied and luminous flesh.

Bookings required
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman

Virtual Highlights Tour

And the Oscar Goes To...

12:30pm, Tue 13 Sep
Live online

Did you know we have over 20 portraits of Academy Award winners in our collection? Join Georgina, our Social Media and Content Coordinator, as she discusses her second and third favourite things (after socials, of course): films and the famous people who work on them.

Bookings required
Lynden Bassett
Lynden Bassett
Lynden Bassett
Lynden Bassett

Drawn in

Lynden Bassett

1:00pm, Sun 18 Sep

Draw while listening to a gentle sound work based on mandolin and electronics with sound artist Lynden Bassett.

Roslyn
Roslyn
Roslyn
Roslyn

Virtual Highlights Tour

Is ‘gallerist’ a real word?

12:30pm, Tue 20 Sep
Live online

Join us as we explore the story of three commercial art galleries, their gallerists and the significant contribution they make to the arts in Australia.

Bookings required
Art cart
Art cart
Art cart
Art cart

Art cart

10:00am, Sat 24 Sep until Sun 9 Oct

Our popular art cart is back for the school holidays! This is where you can get all creative during your visit if the mood takes you, responding to our latest exhibition the National Photographic Portrait Prize.

Portrait play
Portrait play
Portrait play
Portrait play

Portrait play onsite

10:30am, Mon 26 Sep until Fri 30 Sep

Explore portraits through drawing and creative activity in the galleries.

Bookings required
Indigo, 2021 Matthew Newton
Indigo, 2021 Matthew Newton
Indigo, 2021 Matthew Newton
Indigo, 2021 Matthew Newton

Virtual Highlights Tour

Call to Action

12:30pm, Tue 27 Sep
Live online

Art as activism! Join us as we explore how portraiture can depict strength and activism at work, and also be a form of activism in itself.

Bookings required
Little Faces
Little Faces
Little Faces
Little Faces

Little Faces

Spring 2022

10:30am, Wed 28 Sep

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Little Faces
Little Faces
Little Faces
Little Faces

Little Faces

Spring 2022

10:30am, Thu 29 Sep

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Little Faces
Little Faces
Little Faces
Little Faces

Little Faces

Spring 2022

10:30am, Fri 30 Sep

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Maria
Maria
Maria
Maria

WHO ARE YOU

Australian portraiture

Exhibition opens 1 October

Featuring 130 works across painting, film, photography, screen printing, sculpture, and then some – it explores our inner worlds, outer selves, intimacy, isolation, celebrity and more.

Maria
Maria
Maria
Maria

WHO ARE YOU: Australian Portraiture tour

11:15am, Daily from Sat 1 Oct until Sun 29 Jan

Join us in the Gallery for this free 30-minute tour exploring the exciting new exhibition WHO ARE YOU: Australian Portraiture.

Bookings available
Portrait play
Portrait play
Portrait play
Portrait play

Portrait play onsite

10:30am, Tue 4 Oct until Fri 7 Oct

Explore portraits through drawing and creative activity in the galleries.

Bookings required
John Newcombe and family
John Newcombe and family
John Newcombe and family
John Newcombe and family

Virtual Highlights Tour

Together

12:30pm, Tue 4 Oct
Live online

Join us online to explore togetherness, connection, and intimacy in some of our favourite group portraits.

Bookings required
Big Fella Rain
Big Fella Rain
Big Fella Rain
Big Fella Rain

Story time

Big Fella Rain

10:30am, Wed 5 Oct

Big Fella Rain is a celebration of the transition from dry season to wet season in a country that is like no other place in the world.

Bookings required
Big Fella Rain
Big Fella Rain
Big Fella Rain
Big Fella Rain

Story time online

Big Fella Rain

10:30am, Thu 6 Oct
Live online

Big Fella Rain is a celebration of the transition from dry season to wet season in a country that is like no other place in the world.

Bookings required
Man with two lives, 2021 Caroline Zilinsky
Man with two lives, 2021 Caroline Zilinsky
Man with two lives, 2021 Caroline Zilinsky
Man with two lives, 2021 Caroline Zilinsky

Walking a fine line

Line drawing with Caroline Zilinsky

10:30am, Sat 8 Oct
Live online

Join Darling Portrait Prize 2022 finalist Caroline Zilinsky in a deep dive into drawing, focussing on the importance of line in creating a portrait.

Bookings required
Caroline Zilinsky. Photo Donald Arnold
Caroline Zilinsky. Photo Donald Arnold
Caroline Zilinsky. Photo Donald Arnold
Caroline Zilinsky. Photo Donald Arnold

Walking a fine line

Line drawing with Caroline Zilinsky

2:00pm, Sat 8 Oct

Join Darling Portrait Prize 2022 finalist Caroline Zilinsky in a deep dive into drawing, focussing on the importance of line in creating a portrait.

Bookings required
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz

Relaxed mornings

9:00am, Sun 9 Oct

Explore the main collection before our usual opening hours. We welcome anyone of any age who would benefit from a more relaxed gallery experience. We’ll have low sensory spaces, quiet areas and a creative activity for families to enjoy together.

Bookings required
Annette Kellerman
Annette Kellerman
Annette Kellerman
Annette Kellerman

Virtual Highlights Tour

Once Upon A Time

12:30pm, Tue 11 Oct
Live online

Take a journey with us as we uncover princesses, mermaids, and magicians of the movie screen in the enchanted forests of the gallery collection.

Bookings required
Adut, The Studio Series, 2015 Atong Atem
Adut, The Studio Series, 2015 Atong Atem
Adut, The Studio Series, 2015 Atong Atem
Adut, The Studio Series, 2015 Atong Atem

In conversation

Who are you?

2:00pm, Thu 13 Oct
Onsite and live online

Join us online or onsite for an intriguing insight into the WHO ARE YOU: Australian portraiture themes with the curators.

Bookings required
Ningali Lawford-Wolf
Ningali Lawford-Wolf
Ningali Lawford-Wolf
Ningali Lawford-Wolf

Audio described tour

1:00pm, Mon 17 Oct

Join us in the Gallery as we explore the collection with our tour for visitors who are blind or have low vision. Sighted companions and guide dogs are more than welcome.

Bookings required
Jessie with doll, 1897 Hugh Ramsay
Jessie with doll, 1897 Hugh Ramsay
Jessie with doll, 1897 Hugh Ramsay
Jessie with doll, 1897 Hugh Ramsay

Virtual Highlights Tour

Back in the Day

12:30pm, Tue 18 Oct
Live online

What stands out as a childhood memory for you? What advice would you give your younger self knowing what you know now?

Bookings required
Marion Borgelt
Marion Borgelt
Marion Borgelt
Marion Borgelt

Time and Line

In Gallery Seven

Exhibition opens 22 October

Encompassing the 1820s to the 2020s, Time and Line showcases the depth and extent of our drawing collection.

Photographer: Art Atelier, Dancers: Zoee Mylordis, Josh Freedman
Photographer: Art Atelier, Dancers: Zoee Mylordis, Josh Freedman
Photographer: Art Atelier, Dancers: Zoee Mylordis, Josh Freedman
Photographer: Art Atelier, Dancers: Zoee Mylordis, Josh Freedman

Canberra Dance Theatre presents

Out of the Frame

2:00pm, Sat 22 Oct until Sun 23 Oct

Canberra Dance Theatre’s dancers respond to our latest exhibition with a series of dances including Contemporary, Ballet, Hilal and K-Pop.

Portrait of some rocks, 1948 Lloyd Rees AC CMG
Portrait of some rocks, 1948 Lloyd Rees AC CMG
Portrait of some rocks, 1948 Lloyd Rees AC CMG
Portrait of some rocks, 1948 Lloyd Rees AC CMG

Virtual Highlights Tour

Face off

12:30pm, Tue 25 Oct
Live online

Does an artwork need to have a face in it to be considered a portrait? Spoiler alert, no! Join us as we unpack what really is – or isn’t - important for a portrait, featuring works from WHO ARE YOU: Australian Portraiture.

Bookings required
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz

Little Faces

Spring 2022

10:30am, Wed 26 Oct

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz

Little Faces

Spring 2022

10:30am, Thu 27 Oct

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz

Little Faces

Spring 2022

9:30am, 10:30am, Fri 28 Oct

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Miranda Otto
Miranda Otto
Miranda Otto
Miranda Otto

Come alive 22

Fri 28, Sat 29, Mon 31 Oct, Tue 1, Wed 2 Nov 2:00–3:30pm AEST

Young people explore the stories in our cultural institutions as part of the COME ALIVE Festival of Museum Theatre.

Bookings required
Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait

The work of art

In Galleries Eight and Nine

Exhibition opens 29 October

It takes a village to raise a creative! Get an insight into the often-unseen work and supporters needed for the arts to thrive. The work of art documents the creative process, evoke states of creativity and inspiration, and shows us clues about the subject’s own work from the way artists portray them.

A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water

Culture Cruise

Presented by Australian Dance Party

10:30am, Sat 29 Oct

Travel via lake cruise on the stunning Lake Burley Griffin to Canberra's premiere cultural destinations: The National Portrait Gallery and The National Museum of Australia.

Bookings required
Mr Tim
Mr Tim
Mr Tim
Mr Tim

Drawn In

Mr Tim

1:00pm, Sun 30 Oct

Join us in the Gallery and draw while listening to Mr Tim journey around the world through rock music!

Terry Snow and China
Terry Snow and China
Terry Snow and China
Terry Snow and China

Virtual Highlights Tour

With a little help from my friends

12:30pm, Tue 1 Nov
Live online

Friends are the family you choose! Join Circle of Friends Coordinator Tazmin Kip and explore some of our favourite portraits of best mates, chums and bffs from our collection.

Bookings required
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water

Culture Cruise

Presented by Australian Dance Party

10:30am, Sat 5 Nov

Travel via lake cruise on the stunning Lake Burley Griffin to Canberra's premiere cultural destinations: The National Portrait Gallery and The National Museum of Australia.

Bookings required
Smith & Jones
Smith & Jones
Smith & Jones
Smith & Jones

Drawn in

Smith & Jones

1:00pm, Sun 13 Nov

Draw while listening to Smith & Jones, made up of keyboard player and vocalist Abby Smith, and guitarist and vocalist Sophie Jones.

Margel and Tarquin, Canberra
Margel and Tarquin, Canberra
Margel and Tarquin, Canberra
Margel and Tarquin, Canberra

Virtual Highlights Tour

Take a seat

12:30pm, Tue 15 Nov
Live online

Pull up a chair or kick back on your sofa! Join us as we lounge with some seated sitters in the collection (see what we did there?).

Bookings required
Nest, 2006 Patricia Piccinini
Nest, 2006 Patricia Piccinini
Nest, 2006 Patricia Piccinini
Nest, 2006 Patricia Piccinini

Virtual Highlights Tour

Surprise me!

12:30pm, Tue 22 Nov
Live online

Here at the NPG, we love surprises. Come along with us as we are delighted, enraptured and puzzled by some of the more ‘out of the box’ portraits in WHO ARE YOU: Australian Portraiture.

Bookings required
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz

Little Faces

10:30am, Wed 23 Nov

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz

Little Faces

10:30am, Thu 24 Nov

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz

Little Faces

9:30am, 10:30am, Fri 25 Nov

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Undercurrent Design Market
Undercurrent Design Market
Undercurrent Design Market
Undercurrent Design Market

Undercurrent

5:00pm, Fri 25 Nov

It’s back baby! The Undercurrent Design Market showcases an array of contemporary, leading-edge, Australian-made design treats.

Undercurrent Design Market
Undercurrent Design Market
Undercurrent Design Market
Undercurrent Design Market

Undercurrent

10:00am, Sat 26 Nov

It’s back baby! The Undercurrent Design Market showcases an array of contemporary, leading-edge, Australian-made design treats.

Undercurrent Design Market
Undercurrent Design Market
Undercurrent Design Market
Undercurrent Design Market

Undercurrent

10:00am, Sun 27 Nov

It’s back baby! The Undercurrent Design Market showcases an array of contemporary, leading-edge, Australian-made design treats.

Ned Kelly death mask
Ned Kelly death mask
Ned Kelly death mask
Ned Kelly death mask

Virtual Highlights Tour

Ned’s Heads

12:30pm, Tue 29 Nov
Live online

Join us to discuss Ned Kelly - the man and the myth. Exploring a small selection of portraits of the famous bushranger we will mount our interpretive saddles and ride off into the portraits.

Bookings required
Rhythm Syndicate choir standing together on stage
Rhythm Syndicate choir standing together on stage
Rhythm Syndicate choir standing together on stage
Rhythm Syndicate choir standing together on stage

To the moon and back again in time for Christmas

Presented by Rhythm Syndicate

1:00pm, Sun 4 Dec

Join local jazz vocal group Rhythm Syndicate in the Gallery as they take you on an enchanting journey through some jazz, pop and Christmas greats of the music world.

Mike Parr
Mike Parr
Mike Parr
Mike Parr

MCA Artist’s Voice: Mike Parr (2006)

Film Screening

2:30pm, Sun 4 Dec

Join us in the gallery to discover more about Mike Parr’s broad interdisciplinary practice, and his thoughts on portraiture, self and expression.

Bookings available
Ted Dyson, Bill Dyson (with pipe) and Percy
Ted Dyson, Bill Dyson (with pipe) and Percy
Ted Dyson, Bill Dyson (with pipe) and Percy
Ted Dyson, Bill Dyson (with pipe) and Percy

Virtual Highlights Tour

Celebrate!

12:30pm, Tue 6 Dec
Live online

With the holiday season fast upon us let us get in the festive spirit with portraits that Celebrate! Join us for a dash of joy, a sprinkle of fun and a measure of merry.

Bookings required
Children doing activities at a table in the gallery
Children doing activities at a table in the gallery
Children doing activities at a table in the gallery
Children doing activities at a table in the gallery

Family space

Who am I?

10:00am, Sat 17 Dec until Mon 30 Jan

We have free creative activities for families to enjoy together inspired by WHO ARE YOU: Australian Portraiture.

Bella Groove
Bella Groove
Bella Groove
Bella Groove

Drawn in

Bella Groove

1:00pm, Wed 28 Dec

Draw while listening to Bella Groove as they play an assortment of originals alongside familiar jazz and blues tunes.

Salar Ayoubi
Salar Ayoubi
Salar Ayoubi
Salar Ayoubi

Drawn in

Salar Ayoubi

1:00pm, Mon 2 Jan

Draw while listening to live music performed by Salar Ayoubi. Salar is an Iranian oud player, playing Persian and Kurdish songs.

Portrait play
Portrait play
Portrait play
Portrait play

Portrait Play

My favourite things

10:30am, Tue 3 Jan until Fri 27 Jan

Join us in the Gallery this school holidays and explore portraits of people with the things they love.

Bookings required
Judith Wright with Barbara Blackman
Judith Wright with Barbara Blackman
Judith Wright with Barbara Blackman
Judith Wright with Barbara Blackman

Audio described tour

1:00pm, Wed 11 Jan

Join us in the Gallery as we explore WHO ARE YOU: Australian Portraiture with our tour for visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Bookings required
Do you want to meet your Grandma?
Do you want to meet your Grandma?
Do you want to meet your Grandma?
Do you want to meet your Grandma?

Story time

Do you want to meet your Grandma?

10:30am, 1:00pm, Mon 16 Jan

Listen to a lively reading of Do you want to meet your grandma? by author SV Middleby, followed by some creative craft activities.

Bookings required
Do you want to meet your Grandma?
Do you want to meet your Grandma?
Do you want to meet your Grandma?
Do you want to meet your Grandma?

Story time

Do you want to meet your Grandma?

10:30am, Tue 17 Jan
Live online

Listen online to a lively reading of Do you want to meet your grandma? by author SV Middleby, then create your own visual response with materials found around the house.

Bookings required
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz

Little Faces

10:30am, Thu 19 Jan until Fri 20 Jan

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman

At ease

In Gallery One

Exhibition opens 21 January

Enjoy, sit back, and relax with some of our favourites from the Gallery’s collection, where they find themselves expertly – and comfortably – captured by their artists.

A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water

Culture Cruise

Presented by Australian Dance Party

10:30am, Sat 21 Jan

Travel via lake cruise on the stunning Lake Burley Griffin to Canberra's premiere cultural destinations: The National Portrait Gallery and The National Museum of Australia.

Bookings required
Creature from the Black Platoon starring Gary Foley 2011
Creature from the Black Platoon starring Gary Foley 2011
Creature from the Black Platoon starring Gary Foley 2011
Creature from the Black Platoon starring Gary Foley 2011

Workshop – TextaQueen

We don’t need another hero

1:00pm, Sun 22 Jan
Live online

Join us online for a vibrant workshop with artist TextaQueen! Discover more about their art practice before grabbing your own Textas and creating a movie-inspired poster about fighting oppression. Right on!

Bookings required
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water

Culture Cruise

Presented by Australian Dance Party

10:30am, Sat 28 Jan

Travel via lake cruise on the stunning Lake Burley Griffin to Canberra's premiere cultural destinations: The National Portrait Gallery and The National Museum of Australia.

Bookings required
Play on (A portrait of Neale Daniher)
Play on (A portrait of Neale Daniher)
Play on (A portrait of Neale Daniher)
Play on (A portrait of Neale Daniher)

Collection Highlights Tour

11:15am, 2:15pm, Daily from Mon 30 Jan until Thu 9 Mar

Take a 30 minute tour of the Portrait Gallery exploring the collection and the building.

Bookings available
Origami heart
Origami heart
Origami heart
Origami heart

Art Cart – WorldPride

Heart. Pride. Identity.

10:00am, Sat 4 Feb until Sun 5 Mar

Pop on your colourful kit and join us in the Gallery to celebrate WorldPride. Reflect on your identity and make a colourful flag or fold an origami pocket heart. This is a free activity for families, friends, anyone and everyone!

Irina Baronova (handing on the baton)
Irina Baronova (handing on the baton)
Irina Baronova (handing on the baton)
Irina Baronova (handing on the baton)

Virtual Highlights Tour

Beyond the blackboard: Inspiring educators

12:30pm, Tue 7 Feb
Live online

After long summer holidays, we’re heading back to class to meet some inspiring educators and celebrate some teachers from the collection who changed our lives. Hat, drink bottle and lunch optional.

Bookings required
Aerial view of the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new SANAA-designed building, 2022
Aerial view of the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new SANAA-designed building, 2022
Aerial view of the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new SANAA-designed building, 2022
Aerial view of the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new SANAA-designed building, 2022

State-of-the-Art

Discover the art and architecture of Sydney Modern

7:00am, Thu 9 Feb

Join us for a day trip to see the transformation of the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW).

Bookings required
Warwick Thornton
Warwick Thornton
Warwick Thornton
Warwick Thornton

Virtual Highlights Tour

See the sea

12:30pm, Tue 14 Feb
Live online

Already longing to be back at the beach, swimming in the swell or riding a wave? Grab your sunscreen and join us to look at some of our favourite portraits of fellow sea lovers.

Bookings required

Screening

Creative Couples – Will and Garrett

10:00am, Fri 17 Feb until Sun 5 Mar

What makes creative couples tick? These short videos reveal an intimate portrait of the Huxleys, a unique couple whose romantic and creative lives intersect with chemistry, hard work, tension and magic.

Judith Wright with Barbara Blackman
Judith Wright with Barbara Blackman
Judith Wright with Barbara Blackman
Judith Wright with Barbara Blackman

Audio described tour

1:00pm, Fri 17 Feb

Join us in the Gallery as we explore our collection with audio descriptions for visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Bookings required
Pop Up Choir. Photo Lona Logan.
Pop Up Choir. Photo Lona Logan.
Pop Up Choir. Photo Lona Logan.
Pop Up Choir. Photo Lona Logan.

Drawn in

Pop Up Choir

1:00pm, Sun 19 Feb

Draw while listening to the Pop Up Choir, singing songs that will leave your toes tapping and heart full.

Ian Thorpe
Ian Thorpe
Ian Thorpe
Ian Thorpe

Virtual Highlights Tour

Nude dudes

12:30pm, Tue 21 Feb
Live online

Join us – clothed or with your camera off – as we discuss the queer history of nude dudes in art.

Bookings required
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz

Little Faces

10:30am, Wed 22 Feb until Fri 24 Feb

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz

Little Faces

9:30am, Fri 24 Feb

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Minna Gilligan
Minna Gilligan
Minna Gilligan
Minna Gilligan

Workshop - Minna Gilligan

Collage and colour

10:30am, Sat 25 Feb

Join us in the Gallery with artist Minna Gilligan for a creative workshop exploring the story telling powers of colour and collage.

Bookings required
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water

Culture Cruise

Presented by Australian Dance Party

10:30am, Sat 25 Feb

Travel via lake cruise on the stunning Lake Burley Griffin to Canberra's premiere cultural destinations: The National Portrait Gallery and The National Museum of Australia.

Bookings required
Minna Gilligan
Minna Gilligan
Minna Gilligan
Minna Gilligan

Workshop - Minna Gilligan

Collage and colour

1:30pm, Sat 25 Feb
Live online

Join us online with artist Minna Gilligan for a creative workshop exploring the story telling powers of colour and collage.

Bookings required
Peter Sipeli
Peter Sipeli
Peter Sipeli
Peter Sipeli

Virtual Highlights Tour

WORLDPRIDE A Pacific Perspective

12:30pm, Tue 28 Feb
Live online

Join special guest Fijian poet and art activist Peter Sipeli as we celebrate WorldPride from a Pacific perspective.

Bookings required
Portrait of Patricia Piccinini
Portrait of Patricia Piccinini
Portrait of Patricia Piccinini
Portrait of Patricia Piccinini

Circle of Friends Spotlight Series

March

10:15am, Wed 1 Mar

Our Social Media and Content Coordinator, Georgina, will be taking a look at Patricia Piccinini by Allissa Oughtred.

Bookings required
Spirits Shapeshifting, 2023 Kate Beynon, Rali Beynon and Michael Pablo video: 30 seconds
Spirits Shapeshifting, 2023 Kate Beynon, Rali Beynon and Michael Pablo video: 30 seconds
Spirits Shapeshifting, 2023 Kate Beynon, Rali Beynon and Michael Pablo video: 30 seconds
Spirits Shapeshifting, 2023 Kate Beynon, Rali Beynon and Michael Pablo video: 30 seconds

Enlighten projections

Spirits Shapeshifting

8:00pm, Fri 3 Mar until Mon 13 Mar

Spirits Shapeshifting blends watercolour and digital animation to bring vibrant beings to life amid botanical dreamscapes, atmospheric skies and kaleidoscopic visions.

Matt Ottley, 2019 Jana Vodesil-Baruffi
Matt Ottley, 2019 Jana Vodesil-Baruffi
Matt Ottley, 2019 Jana Vodesil-Baruffi
Matt Ottley, 2019 Jana Vodesil-Baruffi

Screening and author Q&A

The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness (MA 15+)

2:00pm, Sat 4 Mar

Join us in the Gallery with award-winning artist, writer, composer and musician Matt Ottley for a screening of his latest work, The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness.

Bookings available
Ian Frazer
Ian Frazer
Ian Frazer
Ian Frazer

Virtual Highlights Tour

An opportunity taken

12:30pm, Tue 7 Mar
Live online

Join us as we celebrate science with a social conscious. We’ll be focusing on those in our collection who grabbed the opportunity to improve the quality of women’s health across the world.

Bookings required
Kaylene Whiskey in her studio, raising her arms in the air in celebration, next to a life size cutout of wonder woman and an artwork in progress
Kaylene Whiskey in her studio, raising her arms in the air in celebration, next to a life size cutout of wonder woman and an artwork in progress
Kaylene Whiskey in her studio, raising her arms in the air in celebration, next to a life size cutout of wonder woman and an artwork in progress
Kaylene Whiskey in her studio, raising her arms in the air in celebration, next to a life size cutout of wonder woman and an artwork in progress

Portrait 23: Identity Preview

Circle of Friends

2:00pm, Thu 9 Mar

We are beyond excited to invite our Circle of Friends members to an exclusive members-only preview of Portrait23: Identity.

Bookings required
Portrait23: Identity logo
Portrait23: Identity logo
Portrait23: Identity logo
Portrait23: Identity logo

Portrait23: Identity

Exhibition opens 10 March

Portraiture. Not as you know it. We invite you to stretch, push, resist and transcend portraiture’s conventional constraints.

Four works from Happy Australian, 2022 Vipoo Srivilasa
Four works from Happy Australian, 2022 Vipoo Srivilasa
Four works from Happy Australian, 2022 Vipoo Srivilasa
Four works from Happy Australian, 2022 Vipoo Srivilasa

Portrait 23: Identity tour

11:15am, Fri 10 Mar until Fri 16 Jun

Join us in the Gallery for a free 30-minute tour of Portrait23: Identity, as we stretch, push and transcend portraiture’s conventional constraints.

Bookings available
Play on (A portrait of Neale Daniher)
Play on (A portrait of Neale Daniher)
Play on (A portrait of Neale Daniher)
Play on (A portrait of Neale Daniher)

Collection Highlights Tour

2:15pm, Daily from Fri 10 Mar until Sun 31 Dec

Take a 30 minute tour of the Portrait Gallery exploring the collection and the building.

Bookings available
Spirits Shapeshifting, 2023 Kate Beynon, Rali Beynon and Michael Pablo
Spirits Shapeshifting, 2023 Kate Beynon, Rali Beynon and Michael Pablo
Spirits Shapeshifting, 2023 Kate Beynon, Rali Beynon and Michael Pablo
Spirits Shapeshifting, 2023 Kate Beynon, Rali Beynon and Michael Pablo

Open late

Enlighten

5:00pm, Fri 10 Mar

Visit the Portrait Gallery after dark! We are keeping our doors open until 10:00pm to celebrate our latest exhibition Portrait23: Identity.

Amrita Hepi performing Faun
Amrita Hepi performing Faun
Amrita Hepi performing Faun
Amrita Hepi performing Faun

Performance lecture with Amrita Hepi

An Afternoon of a Faun

8:30pm, Fri 10 Mar

Join us for a special performance lecture commissioned for the Gallery's latest exhibition Portrait23: Identity.

Bookings required
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water

Culture Cruise

Presented by Australian Dance Party

10:30am, Sat 11 Mar

Travel via lake cruise on the stunning Lake Burley Griffin to Canberra's premiere cultural destinations: The National Portrait Gallery and The National Museum of Australia.

Bookings required
Kate Beynon and Rali Beynon
Kate Beynon and Rali Beynon
Kate Beynon and Rali Beynon
Kate Beynon and Rali Beynon

Fantastic Faces Space with Kate Beynon

11:00am, 1:00pm, Sat 11 Mar

Bring your little ones and join artist Kate Beynon as she activates her Fantastic Faces Space! Kate has created 200 cushions with 31 colourful designs that you can arrange with her on the felt walls to create imaginative faces.

Amrita Hepi performing Faun
Amrita Hepi performing Faun
Amrita Hepi performing Faun
Amrita Hepi performing Faun

Performance lecture with Amrita Hepi

An Afternoon of a Faun

1:00pm, Sat 11 Mar

Join us for a special performance lecture commissioned for the Gallery's latest exhibition Portrait23: Identity.

Bookings required
Four works from Happy Australian, 2022 Vipoo Srivilasa
Four works from Happy Australian, 2022 Vipoo Srivilasa
Four works from Happy Australian, 2022 Vipoo Srivilasa
Four works from Happy Australian, 2022 Vipoo Srivilasa

Workshop

Handmade Eleganza Extravaganza Paper Doll with Vipoo Srivilasa!

2:00pm, Sat 11 Mar
Live online

Unleash your creative side and show the world your unique style with a handmade paper doll!

Bookings required
Christopher Bassi standing in an empty office next to a large yellow painting
Christopher Bassi standing in an empty office next to a large yellow painting
Christopher Bassi standing in an empty office next to a large yellow painting
Christopher Bassi standing in an empty office next to a large yellow painting

Virtual Highlights Tour

Portrait23: Identity – a Curator's intro

12:30pm, Tue 14 Mar
Live online

Join curators Penny Grist and Rebecca Ray for a look at some of the amazing artists in Portrait23: Identity! It’s portraiture, but not as you know it.

Bookings required
Lady [Hannah] Lloyd Jones
Lady [Hannah] Lloyd Jones
Lady [Hannah] Lloyd Jones
Lady [Hannah] Lloyd Jones

Circle of Friends Lecture Series

March

2:00pm, Wed 15 Mar

Starting off 2023 with a bang is Curator, Collection and Research, Joanna Gilmour, who'll be taking you on a deep dive into portraits by painter, Judy Cassab.

Bookings required
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water

Culture Cruise

Presented by Australian Dance Party

10:30am, Sat 18 Mar

Travel via lake cruise on the stunning Lake Burley Griffin to Canberra's premiere cultural destinations: The National Portrait Gallery and The National Museum of Australia.

Bookings required
Rosemary Madigan
Rosemary Madigan
Rosemary Madigan
Rosemary Madigan

Virtual Highlights Tour

The artist’s studio

12:30pm, Tue 21 Mar
Live online

Pop on your smock and sturdy shoes and join us for a peek into where artists work. Whether inside, outside or out and about, we’ll look at the places they wield their tools and create.

Bookings required
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists installation
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists installation
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists installation
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists installation

Audio described tour

1:00pm, Wed 22 Mar

Join us in the Gallery as we explore Portrait23: Identity with audio descriptions for visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Bookings required
Twelve portraits of finalists for the Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize 2023
Twelve portraits of finalists for the Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize 2023
Twelve portraits of finalists for the Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize 2023
Twelve portraits of finalists for the Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize 2023

Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize 2023

Exhibition opens 25 March

Little Darlings is for primary and secondary students, with four separate categories across Kindergarten to Year 12. Responding to the theme ‘identity’, students painted, drew, photographed, printed or combined all of these to make their portrait.

Marea Gazzard
Marea Gazzard
Marea Gazzard
Marea Gazzard

The Iconoclasts

In Gallery Three

Exhibition open every day

Australian portraiture of the mid-twentieth century was rich with the influence of European modernism, exemplified by the work of artists including Arthur Boyd, Judy Cassab and Clifton Pugh.

A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water
A person with long hair being blown by the wind, wearing a blue dress, while leaning over the edge of a boat on the water

Culture Cruise

Presented by Australian Dance Party

10:30am, Sat 25 Mar

Travel via lake cruise on the stunning Lake Burley Griffin to Canberra's premiere cultural destinations: The National Portrait Gallery and The National Museum of Australia.

Bookings required
Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait

Virtual Highlight Tour

Dazzling Daughters

12:30pm, Tue 28 Mar
Live online

Pull up a virtual chair and join us as we look at four dazzling daughters from our permanent collection!

Bookings required
The family
The family
The family
The family

Little Faces

10:30am, Wed 29 Mar until Thu 30 Mar

This autumn, join a Learning Facilitator to look at the portrait “The Family” by Charles Blackman to explore ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­colour, patterns and faces through movement, singing and crafty play.

Bookings required
The family
The family
The family
The family

Little Faces

9:30am, 10:30am, Fri 31 Mar

This autumn, join a Learning Facilitator to look at the portrait “The Family” by Charles Blackman to explore ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­colour, patterns and faces through movement, singing and crafty play.

Bookings required
Mary Chomley
Mary Chomley
Mary Chomley
Mary Chomley

The Cosmopolitans

In Gallery Two

Exhibition opens 1 April

Spanning the 1880s to the 1930s, this collection display celebrates the innovations in art – and life – introduced by the generation of Australians who travelled to London and Paris for experience and inspiration in the decades either side of 1900.

Yarrenyty Arltere Artists installation
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists installation
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists installation
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists installation

Audio described tour

1:00pm, Mon 3 Apr

Join us in the Gallery as we explore Portrait23: Identity with audio descriptions for visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Bookings required
Florence Broadhurst
Florence Broadhurst
Florence Broadhurst
Florence Broadhurst

Virtual Highlights Tour

Inside Voices

12:30pm, Tue 4 Apr
Live online

Put down the drop sheet and join us from your living room, as we dive deep into the minds behind loud colours, bold patterns and bright interiors.

Bookings required
Dr Joseph Brown with Two Typists
Dr Joseph Brown with Two Typists
Dr Joseph Brown with Two Typists
Dr Joseph Brown with Two Typists

April Spotlight Series

10:15am, Wed 5 Apr

We're back on again in April for the next of our Spotlight Series! This time Karena – our Exhibitions Manager – will be taking a look at Dr Joseph Brown with Two Typists by Noel McKenna.

Bookings required
A boy drawing on paper with a pencil
A boy drawing on paper with a pencil
A boy drawing on paper with a pencil
A boy drawing on paper with a pencil

Art Cart

10:00am, Fri 7 Apr until Sun 23 Apr

Our popular art cart is back for the school holidays! Ponder your place in the world and reflect on your own identity by making your own ‘me tree’.

Bella Groove
Bella Groove
Bella Groove
Bella Groove

Drawn in

Bella Groove

1:00pm, Sun 9 Apr

Draw while listening to Bella Groove as they play an assortment of originals alongside familiar jazz and blues tunes.

Portrait play
Portrait play
Portrait play
Portrait play

Portrait Play

10:30am, Tue 11 Apr until Fri 14 Apr

Explore portraits through drawing and creative activity in the galleries.

Bookings required
Professor Germaine Greer
Professor Germaine Greer
Professor Germaine Greer
Professor Germaine Greer

Virtual Highlights Tour

Storm in a Teacup

12:30pm, Tue 11 Apr
Live online

What’s all the fuss about? Grab a cuppa and join us as we look at three sitters in our collection who have, unwittingly or deliberately, created storms in teacups.

Bookings required
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily

Slow art day

2:00pm, Sat 15 Apr

Rush in, slow down and take a looong look at a few portraits, then meet to share your thoughts and observations.

Bookings required
Dulcie Sharpe and Rhonda Sharpe in a room with a brown tile floor, next to a wooden table with soft animal sculptures
Dulcie Sharpe and Rhonda Sharpe in a room with a brown tile floor, next to a wooden table with soft animal sculptures
Dulcie Sharpe and Rhonda Sharpe in a room with a brown tile floor, next to a wooden table with soft animal sculptures
Dulcie Sharpe and Rhonda Sharpe in a room with a brown tile floor, next to a wooden table with soft animal sculptures

Colourful creatures workshop

11:30am, Sun 16 Apr

Join acclaimed Yarrenyty Arltere Artists who live and work in Mparntwe/Alice Springs in a creative walk-up sewing workshop.

Portrait play
Portrait play
Portrait play
Portrait play

Portrait Play

10:30am, Mon 17 Apr until Fri 21 Apr

Explore portraits through drawing and creative activity in the galleries.

Bookings required
Heritage Festival 2023
Heritage Festival 2023
Heritage Festival 2023
Heritage Festival 2023

Sharing stories of sharp edges and smooth finishes

11:15am, Mon 17 Apr until Fri 21 Apr

Awaken a sense of place and belonging and explore the National Portrait Gallery building and discover the award-winning design elements and cultural significance.

Bookings available
Self Portrait #1
Self Portrait #1
Self Portrait #1
Self Portrait #1

Virtual Highlights Tour

Not just a face

12:30pm, Tue 18 Apr
Live online

Grab your rucksack and join our Collection Administrator, Renee Joyce to explore the role of place in providing portraiture’s context and narrative.

Bookings required
Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke

Story time - Fashionista

Reading with author, Maxine Beneba Clarke

10:30am, Wed 19 Apr

Join Maxine Beneba Clarke as she reads her book Fashionista, leads us in craft activities and finishes in a flurry with a fashion parade finale!

Bookings required
Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Fashionista by Maxine Beneba Clarke

Story time - Fashionista

Reading with author, Maxine Beneba Clarke

2:00pm, Wed 19 Apr
Live online

Calling all fashionistas, fashion-resisters, fun lovers, fun makers and cool creators! Join Maxine Beneba Clarke as she reads her book Fashionista, leads us in craft activities and finishes in a flurry with a fashion face-off finale!

Bookings required
Visitors in Portrait23: Identity featuring works by Atong Atem, Dylan Mooney and Deborah Kelly.
Visitors in Portrait23: Identity featuring works by Atong Atem, Dylan Mooney and Deborah Kelly.
Visitors in Portrait23: Identity featuring works by Atong Atem, Dylan Mooney and Deborah Kelly.
Visitors in Portrait23: Identity featuring works by Atong Atem, Dylan Mooney and Deborah Kelly.

Relaxed mornings

9:00am, Sun 23 Apr

Explore our special exhibition Portrait23: Identity and the main collection before our usual opening hours. We’ll have low sensory spaces, quiet areas and a creative activity for families to enjoy together.

Bookings required
The family
The family
The family
The family

Little Faces

10:30am, Wed 26 Apr until Thu 27 Apr

This autumn, join a Learning Facilitator to look at the portrait “The Family” by Charles Blackman to explore ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­colour, patterns and faces through movement, singing and crafty play.

Bookings required
Stephen Page, 2021 Daniel Boud
Stephen Page, 2021 Daniel Boud
Stephen Page, 2021 Daniel Boud
Stephen Page, 2021 Daniel Boud

Andrew Sayers Memorial Lecture – CLANSHIP

Stephen Page AO, former Artistic Director of Bangarra

6:00pm, Thu 27 Apr

This year’s lecture will be delivered by Stephen Page AO, former Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre and descendent of the Ngugi/Nunukul people of the Quandamooka Nation and the Munaldjali clan of the Yugambeh Nation from South East Queensland.

Bookings required
The family
The family
The family
The family

Little Faces

9:30am, Fri 28 Apr

This autumn, join a Learning Facilitator to look at the portrait “The Family” by Charles Blackman to explore ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­colour, patterns and faces through movement, singing and crafty play.

Bookings required
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks
Two grounps of three people standing in a studio with walls and shelves filled with artworks

Virtual Highlights Tour

Gnarly Trees

12:30pm, Tue 2 May
Live online

Join a Portrait23: Identity conversation during May! This week artists Mark Smith and Ross Coulter discuss their artworks, processes and influences with curator Penny Grist.

Bookings required
A boy drawing on paper with a pencil
A boy drawing on paper with a pencil
A boy drawing on paper with a pencil
A boy drawing on paper with a pencil

Art Cart

10:00am, Wed 3 May until Sun 18 Jun

Ponder your place in the world and reflect on your own identity by making your own ‘me tree’.

John Mawurndjul
John Mawurndjul
John Mawurndjul
John Mawurndjul

May Spotlight

10:15am, Wed 3 May

Our monthly Circle of Friends get-together, this time with our Visitor Services Coordinator Marina, taking a look at the portait of John Mawurndjul by R. Ian Lloyd.

Bookings required
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists installation
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists installation
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists installation
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists installation

Audio described tour

1:00pm, Thu 4 May

Join us in the Gallery as we explore Portrait23: Identity with audio descriptions for visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Bookings required
Rhythm Syndicate choir standing together on stage
Rhythm Syndicate choir standing together on stage
Rhythm Syndicate choir standing together on stage
Rhythm Syndicate choir standing together on stage

Rhythm Syndicate Choir

1:30pm, Sat 6 May

Listen along to Rhythm Syndicate’s musical offering of high energy jazz classics.

Photo credit: Art Atelier
Photo credit: Art Atelier
Photo credit: Art Atelier
Photo credit: Art Atelier

Australian Dance Week 2023

Identity

10:30am, Sun 7 May

Ausdance ACT will be in the Gallery during Australian Dance Week to enhance your Portrait 23: Identity exhibition experience!

Tarryn Gill
Tarryn Gill
Tarryn Gill
Tarryn Gill

Virtual Highlights Tour

Becoming Limber

12:30pm, Tue 9 May
Live online

Stretch out and sit back as artist Taryn Gill discusses her artwork, process and influence with First Nations Curator Rebecca Ray.

Bookings required
The Greatest Showman movie poster
The Greatest Showman movie poster
The Greatest Showman movie poster
The Greatest Showman movie poster

Film Screening

The Greatest Showman

1:30pm, Sun 14 May

Bring the family of your choice and celebrate Mother’s and Other’s Day.

Bookings required

Archibald Prize Bus Trip

7:00am, Thu 18 May

Join us for a day trip to see the finalists of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes at the Art Gallery of NSW.

Bookings required
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau

A Stitch in Time

12:30pm, Thu 18 May

Are you a super sewer / embroider extraordinaire / confident crafter? Then why not join us in the Gallery for a sewing circle with artist Deborah Kelly!

Bookings required
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau
Latai Taumoepeau

A Stitch in Time

12:30pm, Fri 19 May

Are you a super sewer / embroider extraordinaire / confident crafter? Then why not join us in the Gallery for a sewing circle with artist Deborah Kelly!

Bookings required
Nell standing in her workshop next to a cross legged sculpture
Nell standing in her workshop next to a cross legged sculpture
Nell standing in her workshop next to a cross legged sculpture
Nell standing in her workshop next to a cross legged sculpture

Artist Talk

Nell

1:00pm, Sat 20 May

Artist Nell will be visiting us to chat about her work in Portrait23: Identity.

Bookings required
Portrait23: Identity view featuring works by Kate Beynon and Vipoo Srivilasa
Portrait23: Identity view featuring works by Kate Beynon and Vipoo Srivilasa
Portrait23: Identity view featuring works by Kate Beynon and Vipoo Srivilasa
Portrait23: Identity view featuring works by Kate Beynon and Vipoo Srivilasa

Virtual Highlight Tour

A Portrait23: Identity wander

12:30pm, Tue 23 May
Live online

Pop on your finest as we walk you through Portrait23: Identity. Yes that’s right, we’re streaming live from inside the gallery spaces!

Bookings required
The family
The family
The family
The family

Little Faces

10:30am, Wed 24 May until Thu 25 May

This autumn, join a Learning Facilitator to look at the portrait “The Family” by Charles Blackman to explore ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­colour, patterns and faces through movement, singing and crafty play.

Bookings required
Jimmy Barnes at The Coogee Bay Hotel
Jimmy Barnes at The Coogee Bay Hotel
Jimmy Barnes at The Coogee Bay Hotel
Jimmy Barnes at The Coogee Bay Hotel

In Conversation

Pub Rock

11:00am, Thu 25 May
Live online

Fluff your mullet, squeeze into your jeans and join our Director Collection and Exhibitions Sandra Bruce, musician and producer Paul Greene, and musician George Bishop of El Horses fame for a local beer garden chat about this loud and sweaty exhibition.

Bookings required
The family
The family
The family
The family

Little Faces

9:30am, Fri 26 May

This autumn, join a Learning Facilitator to look at the portrait “The Family” by Charles Blackman to explore ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­colour, patterns and faces through movement, singing and crafty play.

Bookings required
Alter Ego
Alter Ego
Alter Ego
Alter Ego

Alter Ego

An Evening of Other!

6:30pm, Fri 26 May

Join us for Alter Ego: An Evening of Other! This 18+ late-night event is curated and produced by Kat Dopper of Heaps Gay, Queer Agency and Summer Camp Festival fame.

Bookings required
Deborah Mailman
Deborah Mailman
Deborah Mailman
Deborah Mailman

Reconciliation Week highlights tours

Be a Voice for Generations

2:15pm, Sat 27 May until Sat 3 Jun

To celebrate Reconciliation Week, our free highlights tours will focus on some remarkable, resilient and inspirational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the collection, exploring our shared histories, cultures and achievements.

Bookings available
Yves Rees
Yves Rees
Yves Rees
Yves Rees

Virtual Highlight Tour

Gender, voice and trans identity

12:30pm, Tue 30 May
Live online

Writer Yves Rees discusses Voice Notes – their Portrait23: Identity catalogue essay about gender, voice and trans identity.

Bookings required
Self portrait, 2022 RJ Parker
Self portrait, 2022 RJ Parker
Self portrait, 2022 RJ Parker
Self portrait, 2022 RJ Parker

Gulgawarnigu

Thinking of something, someone

Exhibition opens 3 June

In partnership with Big hART we are proud to present Gulgawarnigu - Thinking of something, someone, a national presentation of digital artworks created from Ngarluma country leramagadu (Roebourne), in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Alison Alder wearing a paint splattered apron, leaning against a bench in her studio
Alison Alder wearing a paint splattered apron, leaning against a bench in her studio
Alison Alder wearing a paint splattered apron, leaning against a bench in her studio
Alison Alder wearing a paint splattered apron, leaning against a bench in her studio

Printed Portraits with Alison Alder

Megalo Print Studio

10:00am, Sat 3 Jun

In this hands-on workshop with Alison, discover more about her work as she teaches you the process of screen printing to create a portrait of someone who inspires you.

Bookings required
Jack Charles
Jack Charles
Jack Charles
Jack Charles

Virtual Highlight Tour

Reconciliation Week Stories

12:30pm, Tue 6 Jun
Live online

Join us as we celebrate Reconciliation Week with a focus on the stories and portraits of the fabulous First Nations faces of Robert Fielding, Jessica Mauboy, Heath Bergerson and Jack Charles.

Bookings required
Mary Chomley
Mary Chomley
Mary Chomley
Mary Chomley

June Spotlight Series

10:15am, Wed 7 Jun

Our Senior Curator, Joanna, will be taking a look at the portrait of Mary Chomley by Violet Teague.

Bookings required
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists installation
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists installation
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists installation
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists installation

Audio described tour

1:00pm, Wed 7 Jun

Join us in the Gallery as we explore Portrait23: Identity with audio descriptions for visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Bookings required
Gracenotes
Gracenotes
Gracenotes
Gracenotes

Drawn in

Gracenotes

1:00pm, Sun 11 Jun

Draw while listening to Gracenotes as they sing an eclectic mix of harmonies inspired by contemporary, traditional folk, gospel and American genres.

Dame Edna Everage
Dame Edna Everage
Dame Edna Everage
Dame Edna Everage

Virtual Highlight Tour

Barry, Edna & Les

12:30pm, Tue 13 Jun
Live online

Join us as we explore the (sometimes cheeky) portraits of Barry Humphries, and all reflect on the art, life and humour of this Australian legend.

Bookings required
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023

NPPP 2023 Preview

2:00pm, 5:30pm, Thu 15 Jun

Join Joanna Gilmour, one of this years judges for your members exclusive preview and be the first to see the photographs selected as this year’s finalists.

Bookings required
Nine square images of previous winners of the National Photographic Portrait Prize
Nine square images of previous winners of the National Photographic Portrait Prize
Nine square images of previous winners of the National Photographic Portrait Prize
Nine square images of previous winners of the National Photographic Portrait Prize

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023

Exhibition opens 17 June

The exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects. Entries are now open!

Bookings available
Tamara Dean
Tamara Dean
Tamara Dean
Tamara Dean

Panel discussion

A judge’s eye

10:30am, Sat 17 Jun

Join us in the Gallery to hear from the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023 judges Tamara Dean, Daniel Boetker-Smith, and our very own Joanna Gilmour, as they discuss the artworks and themes in this year’s Prize.

Bookings required
Maybe Today Kris Anderson
Maybe Today Kris Anderson
Maybe Today Kris Anderson
Maybe Today Kris Anderson

Lecture and workshop

Concept, Capture, Craft - The Art of Idea Visualisation with Kris Anderson

2:30pm, Sat 17 Jun

Join award-winning photographer Kris Anderson as he talks about his creative process, and reveals techniques you can use for your own work.

Bookings required
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023

National Photographic Portrait Prize highlights tour

11:15am, Mon 19 Jun until Mon 2 Oct

Join us in the Gallery for this free 30-minute tour of the 2023 National Photographic Portrait Prize to hear more about the artist’s vision and stories of their subjects.

Bookings available
A boy drawing on paper with a pencil
A boy drawing on paper with a pencil
A boy drawing on paper with a pencil
A boy drawing on paper with a pencil

Art Cart

Patchwork Portraits

10:00am, Tue 20 Jun until Sat 5 Aug

Get warm, cosy and creative with us this winter! Drop-in any time with family and friends for free craft activities.

Nine square images of previous winners of the National Photographic Portrait Prize
Nine square images of previous winners of the National Photographic Portrait Prize
Nine square images of previous winners of the National Photographic Portrait Prize
Nine square images of previous winners of the National Photographic Portrait Prize

Virtual Highlight Tour

NPPP 2023 – a Curator's intro

12:30pm, Tue 20 Jun
Live online

Join Senior Curator and NPPP 2023 judge, Joanna Gilmour for a peek at some of this year’s artworks in the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023.

Bookings required
Peter Sipeli and Kirikiti Juna
Peter Sipeli and Kirikiti Juna
Peter Sipeli and Kirikiti Juna
Peter Sipeli and Kirikiti Juna

Virtual Highlight Tour

A Fijian Perspective

12:30pm, Tue 27 Jun
Live online

Join us as we celebrate Pride Month with poet Peter Sipeli and visual artist Kirikiti Juna, as they talk about life and portraits from their uniquely Fijian LGBTIQA+ perspective.

Bookings required
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily

Little Faces

10:30am, Wed 28 Jun

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily

Little Faces

10:30am, Thu 29 Jun

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Portrait play
Portrait play
Portrait play
Portrait play

Portrait Play

10:30am, Mon 3 Jul until Fri 14 Jul

Through looking, playing and creating, go on a journey of speculation as we explore a variety of portraits and wonder what their stories could be.

Bookings required
Jacob Nash
Jacob Nash
Jacob Nash
Jacob Nash

Virtual Highlight Tour

For Our Elders

12:30pm, Tue 4 Jul
Live online

Join 2022 and 2023 National Photographic Portrait Prize finalist Jacob Nash as he discusses portraiture through the lens of this year’s NAIDOC theme, For Our Elders.

Bookings required
Tangki Tjuta Donkeys
Tangki Tjuta Donkeys
Tangki Tjuta Donkeys
Tangki Tjuta Donkeys

Story Time

Tangki Tjuta Donkeys – Story and sculptures by Tjanpi Desert Weavers

10:30am, Thu 6 Jul

Come one, come all! Book in (see what we did there?) for an immersive story time with us and celebrate NAIDOC week!

Bookings required
Tangki Tjuta Donkeys
Tangki Tjuta Donkeys
Tangki Tjuta Donkeys
Tangki Tjuta Donkeys

Story Time Online

Tangki Tjuta Donkeys – Story and sculptures by Tjanpi Desert Weavers

2:00pm, Fri 7 Jul
Live online

Come one, come all and celebrate NAIDOC week! Book in (see what we did there?) for an Auslan-interpreted story time with us!

Bookings required
In Leopard Print, 2021 Ayman Kaake
In Leopard Print, 2021 Ayman Kaake
In Leopard Print, 2021 Ayman Kaake
In Leopard Print, 2021 Ayman Kaake

Virtual Highlight Tour

NPG X Yarra Ranges

12:30pm, Tue 11 Jul
Live online

While the 2022 National Photographic Portrait Prize visits Lilydale in VIC, catch Yarra Ranges Regional Museum curator Maddie Reece as they speak to finalists Ayman Kaake and Joey Chan about photography, portraits and their art practice.

Bookings required
Ngayulu Minyma Tjanpinya, I am a Tjanpi Woman
Ngayulu Minyma Tjanpinya, I am a Tjanpi Woman
Ngayulu Minyma Tjanpinya, I am a Tjanpi Woman
Ngayulu Minyma Tjanpinya, I am a Tjanpi Woman

NAIDOC Portraits - For Our Elders

School group bookings

3:15pm, 4:15pm, Mon 17 Jul until Fri 21 Jul

Celebrate NAIDOC with First Nations portraiture during a live National Portrait Gallery program.

Bookings required
Kylie Kwong
Kylie Kwong
Kylie Kwong
Kylie Kwong

Virtual Highlight Tour

Girls who wear glasses

12:30pm, Tue 18 Jul
Live online

Read the bottom line for me. Better or worse? Better or worse? Join us for a lively tour as we focus on (ay, see what we did there?) some of our bespectacled beings in the collection.

Bookings required
Marcia Langton
Marcia Langton
Marcia Langton
Marcia Langton

First Nations Perspectives in Visual Arts

Live Teacher PD Webinar

4:00pm, Thu 20 Jul
Live online

Teachers – celebrate First Nations stories with version 9.0 of the F-10 Australian curriculum. Explore the visual arts collections from leading collections at the National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery of Australia.

Bookings required
Aussie Icon: Portrait of Jenny Kee
Aussie Icon: Portrait of Jenny Kee
Aussie Icon: Portrait of Jenny Kee
Aussie Icon: Portrait of Jenny Kee

Audio described tour

1:00pm, Fri 21 Jul

Join us in the Gallery as we explore collection, exploring the artworks with audio descriptions for visitors who are blind or have low vision. Sighted companions and guide dogs are more than welcome.

Bookings required
Self-portrait, 2011-22 Yvette Coppersmith
Self-portrait, 2011-22 Yvette Coppersmith
Self-portrait, 2011-22 Yvette Coppersmith
Self-portrait, 2011-22 Yvette Coppersmith

Draw collection portraits with Yvette Coppersmith

2:00pm, Sat 22 Jul
Live online

Did someone say, ‘art workshop with an Archibald winner?!’ Woo! Join Yvette Coppersmith from wherever you are for a drawing session using a range of works from the collection.

Bookings required
Sir John Franklin
Sir John Franklin
Sir John Franklin
Sir John Franklin

Virtual Highlight Tour

A river runs through it

12:30pm, Tue 25 Jul
Live online

Can you believe it’s been 40 years since the High Court decision to save the Franklin river?! Grab your paddle and join us as we explore the portraits connected to this beautiful lutruwita/Tassie waterway.

Bookings required
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily

Little Faces

10:30am, Wed 26 Jul

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily

Little Faces

10:30am, Thu 27 Jul

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily
Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily

Little Faces

9:30am, 10:30am, Fri 28 Jul

Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together.

Bookings required

More events

Saturday 17 August 2024 – Tuesday 18 August 2026
© National Portrait Gallery 2023
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Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia

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ABN: 54 74 277 1196

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