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Celebrate the Festive Season and the New Year at the National Portrait Gallery

Monday, December 11, 2023 - 12:45

The National Portrait Gallery has a few public events taking place throughout the festive period, such as one of our enduringly popular ‘Drop in Drawing’ session on the 15th of December. Led by artist Gayna Pelham, create your own work in the Gallery and be inspired by the world’s largest collection of portraits. The session starts with a short introduction, but participants can drop in throughout, staying for any amount of time, whether it be 10 minutes or 2 hours. The class is suitable for everyone, from complete beginners to accomplished artists.

Image credit - Gallery 29 © Gareth Gardner

If you are interested in spending New Year’s Eve with us, then look no further than their Portrait Restaurant, which is running a special holiday dining menu accompanied by panoramic views of the London fireworks. For those looking for more of a party atmosphere, their in house speakeasy Larry’s will be hosting a glamourous evening of Live Jazz, cocktails and champagne.

Image credit - Third Floor © Olivier Hess

The New Year will bring a new cycle of fantastic Exhibitions to the National Portrait Gallery including The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure (22 February – 19 May) and Six Lives: The Stories of Henry VIII’s Queens (20 June – 8 September), as well as the long-awaited return of the Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award (11 July – 27 October). Their 2024 Corporate Members will enjoy exclusive out-of-hours access to their Temporary Exhibitions.