As you approach the National Portrait Gallery (Australia), you should be on the lookout for a sleek, modern building with large cantilevered concrete blades. These blades frame the entrance and present a distinct geometrical alignment. You'll notice the building's minimalist facade, characterized by its clean, smooth lines and a series of bays running perpendicular to the Land Axis. The lettering “National Portrait Gallery” is clearly visible on the right side of the building, guiding your steps to the entrance.
Welcome to the National Portrait Gallery, where you can mingle with some of Australia’s most notable figures-though in portrait form, of course! Established back in 1998, this gallery moved to its current stunning location on King Edward Terrace in December 2008. You can thank painter Tom Roberts for the initial idea, though it took many decades and even more cups of tea before the gallery finally came into existence.
The journey to this dedicated building began in the 1990s with an exhibition called “Uncommon Australians.” This was the brainchild of founding patrons Gordon and Marilyn Darling and it lit the spark that eventually led to the creation of the gallery. The gallery’s first real home was in Old Parliament House, and after hopping around a bit, it finally landed here, in this state-of-the-art building designed by Johnson Pilton Walker.
Inside, you’ll find approximately 3000 portraits of prominent Australians, captured through photography, painting, drawing, multimedia, sculpture, and textiles. Portraits of people who have made a mark in their respective fields are displayed here, giving the term "people-watching" a whole new meaning!
The National Portrait Gallery also hosts two prominent awards. The National Photographic Portrait Prize is a yearly treat for photography enthusiasts, boasting a nifty A$30,000 prize. Meanwhile, the Darling Portrait Prize for painted portraits offers a whopping A$75,000 prize and runs biennially-thank you, L. Gordon Darling!
So, step inside, and let these faces tell you their stories, beaming with pride and a dash of historical intrigue. Enjoy your visit!
For a more comprehensive understanding of the the permanent collection, prizes or the the building, engage with me in the chat section below.
