Australian Capital Territory · Attraction
National Portrait Gallery
Faces of a nation
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
The National Portrait Gallery brings together more than 3,500 works spanning painting, photography, sculpture, and textiles to tell the story of Australia through the people who shaped it. Opened in its purpose-built home on King Edward Terrace in 2008, the gallery holds a rich collection of Indigenous and non-Indigenous portraits and offers free daily entry, making it one of Canberra's most accessible cultural landmarks.
Sitting beside the High Court of Australia, the gallery's light-filled spaces rotate hundreds of works from a permanent collection that includes portraits of prime ministers, artists, athletes, and everyday Australians. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander portraits form a cornerstone of the collection, reflecting the depth and diversity of First Nations experience.
The gallery runs free guided collection highlights tours and a popular Portrait Stories mobile app that layers audio and written commentary onto artworks. A ground-floor cafe opens early and a well-stocked shop rounds out the visit. Plan at least two hours to do the collection justice.
Where to stay
Holiday parks near National Portrait Gallery.
2 options via our booking partner
Canberra Holiday Village
4.4km away
Eaglehawk Holiday Park Canberra
13.1km away
Bookings handled by our partner Parkbooker. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Scenic views
