We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 102 Canberra Attractions »

National Portrait Gallery

King Edward Terrace, Canberra 2600, Australia
02 6102 7000
Ranked #3 of 93 attractions in Canberra
4.5 of 5 stars 77 Reviews
Type: Art Museums
Owner description: The new National Portrait Gallery building, situated on King Edward Terrace, Parkes, Canberra, bounded by the High Court of Australia and the National...... more » Owner description: The new National Portrait Gallery building, situated on King Edward Terrace, Parkes, Canberra, bounded by the High Court of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia, displays some 400 portraits of people who have shaped Australia and who continue to shape our nation. Home to the nation's portrait collection the National Portrait Gallery comprises gallery spaces for the collection and temporary exhibitions, public areas including a cafe, shop, function room, theatrette, education and school group areas, and basement car parking. « less
Update attraction details
Write a Review

77 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    53
    19
    3
    2
    0
Date Rating
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012 NEW

Second visit but never tire of the people whose faces are on display. An Australian only experience really as non Australians won't recognise or relate to the people portrayed. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Sydney Australia
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012 NEW

We dropped into the Portrait gallery, on the 13th May. The Portrait Gallery is a must stop for us every time we are in Canberra. There is always something new to look at, or an old portrait to look at again and some shopping in the book shop (a great range of books, at a great price, with great helpful... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by Mel S for Canberra
Canberra, Australia
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012

One of those rare places that exceeds your expectations. Whenever friends or family visit Canberra for the first time, I tell them they must go to the Portrait Gallery. In fact, I tell them this is more of a 'must-see' than the National Gallery! And without exception, they all spend much more time there than they expect and agree that... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 18 more reviews by Sharon W for Canberra
New South Wales
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

Somehow the atmosphere was more exciting when it was at the old Parliament House. Just found the exhibition a little lack luster. I did enjoy the photographic competition though. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by tpsnow for Canberra
Schilde
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

Quality musem located to other art museums. Impressive collection. I highly recommend it. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Pvspims for Canberra
Melbourne Australia
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2012

Seeing the portraits is like a walk through Australian history. And -- if I recall -- no entrance fee. Located across from the National Gallery. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by RobCope for Canberra
Canberra, Australia
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2012

As a local I have easy access to the Portrait Gallery and have visited three times this year. The portraits of Australians and their stories are most interesting, and a highlight is to break for lunch or coffee and cake at the Portrait Cafe. It is only open during Gallery hours and not in the evening. The food and the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Canberra
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

Just visited the National Photographic Portrait Prize at this gallery & as usual we were very impressed. The portraits here are always exceptional and create interesting conversations. The bookshop has unusual gifts you don't find everywhere and the cafe is excellent. Don't miss this gem when you visit Canberra. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Canberra
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 April 2012

Fascinating architecture abounds in this building but it is the artworks themselves that are spellbinding. There are so many and the range of age, materials and subjects is breathtaking. i recommend a look around for an hour to an hour and a half then coffee and macaroon in the cafe then another wander around. Lovely views over the lake from... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Plastic_Biddy for Canberra
Melbourne, Australia
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
61 helpful votes 61 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Through the portraits on display of Australians from all walks of life, one gets to know about their contributions and how they helped shape our nation. Walking through the gallery is like taking a pictorial history lesson about life and people of this country. To top it off it's free. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by Tengak for Canberra

Travellers who viewed National Portrait Gallery also viewed

National Gallery of Australia
4.5 of 5 stars 195 Reviews
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Australian War Memorial
5 of 5 stars 343 Reviews
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
 
Questacon
4.5 of 5 stars 147 Reviews
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Parliament House
4.5 of 5 stars 162 Reviews
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
 

Been to National Portrait Gallery? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage National Portrait Gallery, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing