You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• The National Portrait Gallery is an art gallery in London housing a collection of portraits of historically important and famous British people.
• It was the first portrait gallery in the world when it opened in 1856.
• The gallery is located to the south-east corner of Leicester Square, off St Martin's Place.
• For more information on Leicester Square please click here
• Please note that the venue is closed until 2023 due to refurbishment.

You are on Getting Here (Leicester Square). Skip to the next section.

Getting Here (Leicester Square)

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• By Bus View
  • There are 2 bus stops located along Charing Cross Road between Cranbourn Street and Irving Street (Stops L and K).
    Bus routes 24, 29 and 176 travel along Charing Cross Road.
    It is also served by night bus routes N5, N20, N29, N41 and N279.
    All London buses have ramp access and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • For more information on London buses (Transport for London) please click here (opens new tab).
• By Underground View
  • Green Park is the nearest accessible step-free station and is served by the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines.
    The accessible entrance can be accessed via the park at the rear of the station building.
    Leicester Square Station is served by the Piccadilly and Northern Line Services.
    Piccadilly Circus Station is served by the Piccadilly and Bakerloo Line Services.
    Both stations are accessed via steps only.
    Leicester Square Underground Station is located on Charing Cross Road at the north-east corner of Leicester Square.
    There are a total of 4 access points/exits for the station.
    2 of the access points/exits are located on the east side of Charing Cross Road, 1 is located on the west side of Charing Cross Road, and the other is located on the north side of Cranbourn Street.
    Access to and from Leicester Square from the access point on the west side of Charing Cross Road does not involve a road crossing.
    Access to and from Leicester Square from the access points/exits on the east side of Charing Cross Road and Cranbourn Street involves a busy road crossing.
  • For more information on London Underground (Transport for London) please click here (opens new tab).
• By Train View
  • London Euston Station and London Charing Cross Station have step-free access to all platforms and staff available to assist with ramps between the platform and the train.
  • For more information on access and facilities at Euston Station please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on access and facilities at Charing Cross Station please click here (opens new tab).
• By Road View
  • Leicester Square is pedestrianised.
    Charing Cross Road (A400) is located parallel to Leicester Square between Cranbourn Street and Irving Street.
    Charing Cross Road (A400) connects with Tottenham Court Road which leads to Euston Road (A501) at its north end.
    At its south end, it connects with Strand (A4).
    Leicester Square is in the Central London Congestion Charge Zone (charges apply Monday - Friday 07:00 -18:00).
    It is also in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (charges apply at all times for non-compliant vehicles).
  • For more information on driving in London please click here (opens new tab).
  • Parking in the area is very limited and visitors are encouraged to use public transport.
    The nearest underground car park (Q-Park Leicester Square) is located off Whitcomb Street, south west of Leicester Square.
    There are 3 Blue Badge bays within this car park.
    There is an additional underground car park with lift access (Q-Park Chinatown) located off Newport Place.
    There are 3 Blue Badge bays within this car park.
  • For more information on the Blue Badge Scheme and parking in London please click here (opens new tab).
  • London taxis can be hailed in any location or summoned by phone.
    There is a taxi rank on the west side of Charing Cross Road, between The Bear and Staff Pub and Barclays.
• By River View
  • 6 TFL River Bus routes run from 22 piers between Putney and Woolwich.
    The nearest pier is Westminster.
    This is close to Westminster Underground Station on the Jubilee Line which connects to Bond Street Station.
    There is step-free access onto the river buses, except at 3 piers.
    Please see the TFL website for details.
  • For more information on London River Bus services please click here (opens new tab).
• By Air View
  • The nearest airports to central London are London City Airport, London Gatwick and London Heathrow.
    London City Airport is connected to the centre by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Bank or Tower Gateway, with interchanges to the rail and underground network at Canning Town and Stratford.
    From Gatwick Airport there are fast trains connecting to London Bridge Station.
    Heathrow Airport is connected by fast trains to Paddington Station and is also on the Piccadilly underground line.
  • For more information on travelling to London by air please click here (opens new tab).
• Useful Links View
  • Please use the TfL journey planner for details of the most suitable routes.
    The planner can be filtered by options such as step-free routes or maximum walking distances.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • The TfL website has links to the TfL accessibility guides, including large print maps and audio guides to order or download.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
• There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
• British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
• The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print, audio and Braille.
• There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
• There are mobility aids available.
• The mobility aids available include wheelchairs.
• To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff.

You are on Opening Times. Skip to the next section.

Opening Times

• To view the National Portrait Gallery opening times please click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance - Revolving Door Stepped Access). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance - Revolving Door Stepped Access)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located on St Martin's Place.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • This entrance is signed with 'National Portrait Gallery'.
  • There is stepped access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) by revolving.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 112cm.
  • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
• Step(s) View
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is/are 2 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance - Manual Doors Stepped Access). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance - Manual Doors Stepped Access)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located on St Martin's Place.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • This entrance is signed with 'National Portrait Gallery'.
  • There is stepped access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 120cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
• Step(s) View
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is/are 2 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
• Comments View
  • There are 2 identical doors, one either side of the revolving door entrance.

You are on Outside Access (Accessible Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located on St Martin's Place.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 103cm.
  • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
  • There are gates on the approach to the accessible entrance. The gates are held open and have an opening width of 176cm. There is a small lip on the floor to the left as you face the gates.
  • There is a slope with a very easy incline.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located on the approach to the entrance.

You are on Other Floors (Main Stairs). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Main Stairs)

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• Stairs View
  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The stairs are for public use.
  • The stairs are located ahead as you enter from the main entrance.
  • The stairs are approximately 6m from the main entrance.
  • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are -1, 0, 1 and 2.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are low to moderate.

You are on Escalator(s) (Level 0 to Level 2). Skip to the next section.

Escalator(s) (Level 0 to Level 2)

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• Escalator(s) View
  • Escalators can be used to access other floors.
  • The escalator(s) is/are located opposite the information and booking desk.
  • Signs indicating the location of the escalators are not available from the entrance.
  • The escalators only go up.
  • The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are 0 and 2.
  • The escalator(s) steps are not clearly marked.
  • The foot and head of the escalator(s) are not clearly marked.
  • The lighting levels at the escalator(s) are moderate to good.

You are on Lift (Levels -2, -1, L, 0, 1 and 2). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Levels -2, -1, L, 0, 1 and 2)

• The lift is located in the corridor on the left as you enter the main entrance.
• Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are -2, -1, L, 0, 1 and 2.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is not a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
• The clear door width is 100cm (3ft 3in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 175cm x 175cm (5ft 9in x 5ft 9in).
• There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing loop system.
• The lift does have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are low to moderate.

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• Comments View
  • The lift is 35m from the lift at the accessible entrance which takes you through the Bookshop into the main entrance.

You are on Lift (Levels 1, 2 and 3). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Levels 1, 2 and 3)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located at the rear of the gallery.
• Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, 2 and 3.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
• The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing loop system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.

You are on Attraction / Exhibit (The Tudors 1485 - 1603). Skip to the next section.

Attraction / Exhibit (The Tudors 1485 - 1603)

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• Entrance / Opening View
  • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
  • The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
• Attraction / Exhibit View
  • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
  • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
  • During busy periods this area can become congested.
  • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
  • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
  • This area does not play background music/sound.
  • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
  • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
  • Some exhibits can be audio described.
  • Exhibits are audio described by using a headset.
  • Headsets can be obtained from Ticket Desk.
  • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
  • There is a good colour contrast between some walls and the floor in this area.
  • The lighting levels in this area are varied.
• Exit View
  • Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
  • The exit is not clearly signed internally.
  • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
  • The exit is step-free.

You are on Attraction / Exhibit (The Stuarts 1603 - 1714). Skip to the next section.

Attraction / Exhibit (The Stuarts 1603 - 1714)

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• Entrance / Opening View
  • There are double, permanently held open doors with an opening width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
  • The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
  • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
• Attraction / Exhibit View
  • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
  • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
  • During busy periods this area can become congested.
  • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
  • There is flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
  • This area does not play background music/sound.
  • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
  • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
  • Some exhibits can be audio described.
  • Exhibits are audio described by using a headset.
  • Headsets can be obtained from Ticket Desk.
  • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
  • There is a good colour contrast between some walls and the floor in this area.
  • The lighting levels in this area are varied.
• Exit View
  • Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
  • The exit is not clearly signed internally.
  • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
  • The exit is step-free.

You are on Attraction / Exhibit (18th Century 1714 - 1790). Skip to the next section.

Attraction / Exhibit (18th Century 1714 - 1790)

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• Entrance / Opening View
  • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
  • The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
• Attraction / Exhibit View
  • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
  • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
  • During busy periods this area can become congested.
  • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
  • There is flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
  • This area does not play background music/sound.
  • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
  • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
  • Some exhibits can be audio described.
  • Exhibits are audio described by using a headset.
  • Headsets can be obtained from Ticket Desk.
  • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
  • There is a good colour contrast between some walls and the floor in this area.
  • The lighting levels in this area are varied.
• Exit View
  • Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
  • The exit is not clearly signed internally.
  • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
  • The exit is step-free.

You are on Attraction / Exhibit (Late 18th to Early 19th Century 1790 - 1837). Skip to the next section.

Attraction / Exhibit (Late 18th to Early 19th Century 1790 - 1837)

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• Entrance / Opening View
  • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
  • The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
• Attraction / Exhibit View
  • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
  • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
  • During busy periods this area can become congested.
  • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
  • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
  • This area does not play background music/sound.
  • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
  • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
  • Some exhibits can be audio described.
  • Exhibits are audio described by using a headset.
  • Headsets can be obtained from Ticket Desk.
  • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
  • There is a good colour contrast between some walls and the floor in this area.
  • The lighting levels in this area are varied.
• Exit View
  • Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
  • The exit is not clearly signed internally.
  • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
  • The exit is step-free.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s)

• There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.
• The nearest accessible toilet(s) is/are located on Level 3, off the lift lobby.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Location of nearest Toilets). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Location of nearest Toilets)

• Standard toilet facilities are not available.
• The nearest standard toilet(s) is/are located on Level 3, off the lift lobby.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• National Portrait Gallery - Levels 0 and -1 link (new tab) - click here
• National Portrait Gallery - Level 1 link (new tab) - click here
• National Portrait Gallery - Level 3 link (new tab) - click here
• National Portrait Gallery - Portrait Restaurant link (new tab) - click here
• National Portrait Gallery - Level -2 link (new tab) - click here
• National Portrait Gallery - Level -3 link (new tab) - click here