About National Portrait Gallery

The first gallery in the world to house portraits of famous and important people in the country, The National Portrait Gallery opened its doors in 1856 and is currently located at St. Martins Place just off Trafalgar Square adjoining the National Gallery. Entrance to the Gallery is free.
 
This is a unique gallery as the portraits are selected on the historic significance of the sitter and not the artist. The Gallery contains collections of  Sculptures, Paintings , Drawings , Photographs and caricatures.  
 
It's most famous portraits is Chandos portrait of William Shakespeare ( Though there is some confusion as to if the work is actually of the playwright .  Also famous is the painting of the Bronte Sisters ( Charlotte, Emily ,  Anne ) By their brother  Branwell Bronte.  The Sculpture of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in medival costume is also worthy of a peek .Additionally the National Portrait Gallery also exhibits a fast changing collection of modern portraits by individual artists.
 
 Over 1000 portraits are on display at the gallery. This collection is arranged chronologically on the second floor, leading down to The Victorians and 20th century on the first Floor. The Ground floor has Britain since 1900, and special exhibitions and displays

On the Top floor the friendly Portrait Restaurant is open for a welcome break.  It is open during gallery hours, except Thursday and Friday when it closes at 10pm. There is also a café at the basement.
 
So for all those of you curious to see what famous Brits looked like this is a must go to location.

Location

By Tube
Charing Cross 230 metres
Leicester Square 195 metres
Embankment 490 metres

By rail
Charing Cross station 320 metres from the St Martin's Place entrance.