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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.

Art Break

12:30–1:00pm, every Thursday
People looking at an artwork (Marcia Langton by Brook Andrew) in the Gallery
Marcia Langton, 2009 Brook Andrew and Trent Walter (printer). Commissioned with funds provided by Marilyn Darling AC 2009. © Brook Andrew

Bookings essential - free

Book now

Experience the joy and transformative power of slow looking. By taking your time with art, you can reconnect with the present, uncover hidden details and make personal discoveries.

How does it work?

It’s simple! On the day, you’ll be greeted at the Welcome Desk and be given a guide to support slow looking at a selected portrait. You'll then explore the artwork on your own. Take your time and spend about 10 minutes observing it closely. At 12:40pm, join an experienced facilitator for a 15-minute discussion in front of the artwork, where you can share your discoveries with others. Your looking will be guided by Visual Thinking Strategies, a facilitation method that uses art to develop critical thinking and deepen connections to artworks through guided discussions.

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Access information

This program is wheelchair accessible.

For access support or other ways to book please email bookings@npg.gov.au or phone 02 6102 7070 prior to your visit.

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© National Portrait Gallery 2025
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196

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 past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

The National Portrait Gallery is an Australian Government Agency