National Portrait Gallery, Canberra Travel Guide

The National Portrait Gallery, situated in Canberra's Parliamentary Triangle, houses a diverse collection of portraits that tell the story of Australia. Opened in 2008, the gallery's collection includes portraits of prominent Australians from various fields, including art, music, politics, and sports. The gallery's purpose is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Australian identity, history, culture, creativity, and diversity through the art of portraiture. The collection features a range of portraits, both historical and contemporary, reflecting the evolving face of the nation. The National Portrait Gallery began in 1998, with the vision of telling Australia's story through the portraits of its remarkable citizens. The gallery was initially housed in Old Parliament House before moving to its current, purpose-built location. The building itself, designed by Johnson Pilton Walker, has won awards for its architecture. Visitors can explore the permanent collection, as well as temporary exhibitions, and participate in public programs, lectures, and educational activities. The gallery also includes a café and shop.