The National Portrait Gallery in London will reopen its doors on 22 June 2023, following the most significant redevelopment in its history.
Visitors to the new site will enjoy a complete redisplay of the Collection, a refurbishment of the building, and an enhanced welcome and greater access through the new Ross Place entrance.
The redevelopment project – titled Inspiring People – has included a comprehensive redisplay of the Gallery’s Collection from the Tudors to today, which will be displayed in beautifully refurbished galleries, and the restoration of the Grade I listed building and many historic features.
The designs will incorporate the new Blavatnik Wing, the entire first floor encompassing nine galleries, which will explore society and culture in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The designs will also see the return of the Gallery’s East Wing to public use as the Weston Wing, restoring original gallery spaces and creating new retail and catering facilities.
he Gallery’s North Façade exterior undergoes a major transformation, including the Blavatnik Wing (above) Photo © David Parry.
The Gallery’s Ross Place entrance will create three new doors, converted from large windows, opening up the North Façade of the St Martin’s Place building. A new Learning Centre will also welcome visitors of all ages with studios, breakout spaces, and high-quality facilities.
Much of the redevelopment was made possible from a grant from the National Lottery Fund. Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is really exciting news that the National Portrait Gallery will reopen in June 2023, following a major, multi-million pound project, which thanks to National Lottery players we have supported with a £9million grant. The National Portrait Gallery has been a source of inspiration and delight for over a century. This project will transform and reimagine the building, collection and public engagement and ensure it continues to inspire generations to come. We look forward to seeing it fully revealed in June.”
