Marri Ngarr artist Ryan Presley’s major installation greets you as you arrive at the Gallery, in a work that invites conversations about the ongoing legacies of colonisation.

Discover 50 colonial-era collection works alongside 50 works by contemporary artist Joan Ross. With wit and wry critique, Ross will make you consider the artist’s role in determining which stories are told, about who and why.

Tracey’s Moffat’s complete 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.

A most beautiful experiment responds to Congolese photographer Jean Depara’s documentation of Kinshara’s nightlife in the 1960s.

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.

Browse the full list of portraits from the collection that are on view now.

A free exhibition of over 100 works by contemporary Australian artist Thom Roberts. Step into his world and experience bold paintings, animation and installation works where people and places intertwine.

Explore the beauty and symbolism of flowers in this weird and wonderful floral extravaganza that showcases more than 50 portraits from the collection, new acquisitions and selected loans.

Atem’s major new commission The Last Women embodies the artist’s vibrant style of staged studio portraiture.

On show in Gallery 3, One-on-one showcases portraits of pairs from the collection from the 1800s to today.

The NPPP is an annual prize for Australian photographers. The year’s most outstanding photographic portrait is awarded a $30,000 cash prize and photographic equipment valued at $20,000 courtesy of our Imaging Partner, Canon Australia.

National treasure, Tina Arena AM, is set to celebrate a remarkable 50 years in the music industry. In honour of her dedication, talent and incredible achievements, the National Portrait Gallery has commissioned a new portrait by renowned fashion photographer Georges Antoni.

Explore the creativity of young Australians in this special online exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Australian honours system.

Super Kaylene Whiskey celebrates one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists, proud Yankunytjatjara woman Kaylene Whiskey.

Marking a pivotal moment in Australian sporting history, the National Portrait Gallery has commissioned a major new portrait of all 23 players from the CommBank Matildas FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ Squad.

Congratulations to Jennifer Croom, inaugural winner of the ABC series Portrait Artist of the Year!

Enjoy a mini-talk with a team member as they dive into an artwork or theme and bring it to life for you.

Step into the Gallery where art is for everyone. Hear stories about the artists and their subjects, discover the possibilities of portraiture and consider what makes the artform so compelling.

Explore the Gallery with a team member as they share their current favourite portrait playlist with you.

John Brack x Noel McKenna: A face in the mirror brings together the work of two influential Australian artists.

Celebrate the fashion icon in a playful display of more than 100 collection works and select loans. Meet significant Australians in their finest from Johnny O’Keefe, Sherbet and Nicole Kidman to influential judges, politicians, entrepreneurs and scientists.

Thread: Connecting stories and community is an exhibition developed collaboratively between the National Portrait Gallery and Logan-based artists and community.

On the second Thursday of the month, we offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers. Connect with different portraits each month through facilitated discussion.

Season 2 of ABC’s hit series Portrait Artist of the Year is here! See artists at work over eight episodes as 54 contestants vie for the opportunity to have their work hang at the National Portrait Gallery!

The National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 marks the end of one of the Gallery’s longest-running exhibitions.

Join us for a playful morning together as we look at Harold Thornton’s portrait of Bob Brown, Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz. Explore forests, faces and feelings through sensory play, singing and making.

Join us for a playful morning together as we look at Harold Thornton’s portrait of Bob Brown, Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz. Explore forests, faces and feelings through sensory play, singing and making.

Join us for a playful morning together as we look at Harold Thornton’s portrait of Bob Brown, Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz. Explore forests, faces and feelings through sensory play, singing and making.

Join us for a playful morning together as we look at Harold Thornton’s portrait of Bob Brown, Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz. Explore forests, faces and feelings through sensory play, singing and making.

Join us for a playful morning together as we look at Harold Thornton’s portrait of Bob Brown, Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz. Explore forests, faces and feelings through sensory play, singing and making.

Join Experience Facilitator Sophia to celebrate the start of September with an exploration of some of the fascinating Virgos in the collection.

Join Experience Facilitator Sami to discover portraits where the embrace becomes a timeless gesture of intimacy, unity and human truth.

On the second Thursday of the month, we offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers. Connect with different portraits each month through facilitated discussion.

Draw while listening to members of contemporary jazz ensemble, Bella Groove, as they perform a variety of music from catchy rhythms to thought‑provoking ballads.

Join Experience Facilitator Cate on a celestial adventure as she explores portraits of stargazers in the collection.

Join us for a playful morning together as we look at Harold Thornton’s portrait of Bob Brown, Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz. Explore forests, faces and feelings through sensory play, singing and making.

Join us for a playful morning together as we look at Harold Thornton’s portrait of Bob Brown, Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz. Explore forests, faces and feelings through sensory play, singing and making.

Join Experience Facilitator Samantha to explore the use of reflections in three Australian portraits.

Join us for a playful morning together as we look at Harold Thornton’s portrait of Bob Brown, Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz. Explore forests, faces and feelings through sensory play, singing and making.

Join us for a playful morning together as we look at Harold Thornton’s portrait of Bob Brown, Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz. Explore forests, faces and feelings through sensory play, singing and making.

Join us for a playful morning together as we look at Harold Thornton’s portrait of Bob Brown, Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz. Explore forests, faces and feelings through sensory play, singing and making.

Once upon a time, in a not-so-faraway land, there was a Gallery that decided to commission a portrait of Andy Griffiths!

Join best-selling children’s author Andy Griffiths to celebrate the launch of his new portrait by artist Ronnie van Hout. Be prepared to laugh your head off with Andy’s interactive session and explore his portrait through playful talks and family tours.

Drop into the Holiday Space these school holidays to explore endless possibilities by bringing creative ideas to life.

Join us these school holidays for Portrait Play, a gentle and creative program for families and young children.

Join Experience Facilitator Kat to discover portraits that are filled with magic, myths and mystics.

Draw while listening to I Progetti Chamber Choir as they perform a range of songs from the Renaissance through to the 21st century.

Join us these school holidays for Portrait Play, a gentle and creative program for families and young children.

Join Visitor Experience Coordinator Marina for a final virtual tour of the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 live from the galleries.

On the second Thursday of the month, we offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers. Connect with different portraits each month through facilitated discussion.

Join us these school holidays for Portrait Play, a gentle and creative program for families and young children.

Canberra’s about to get a lot more sparkly! Grab your tallest pair of heels and your fiercest outfit, because our new portrait of Australian drag icon and international superstar, Courtney Act, is in the making!

Join Courtney Act for a special reading of Confetti and the Rainbow Garden, followed by a book signing.

Join drag queen, singer and television personality Courtney Act in conversation with artist Paul Yore as they discuss their new portrait.

On the second Thursday of the month, we offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers. Connect with different portraits each month through facilitated discussion.

On the second Thursday of the month, we offer a free, tailor-made program for small groups of people living with dementia and their friends, families or carers. Connect with different portraits each month through facilitated discussion.