NLA Study Tour: The National Portrait Gallery

Tour

Wednesday 02 December 2026
09:30 - 11:00

Members Only

Free

Join this NLA Study Tour of the National Portrait Gallery to hear about the East Courtyard Redevelopment project.

Learn the story behind the construction of the RIBA Stirling Prize nominated 2024 from the voices behind it’s creation.

The extensive refurbishment of the existing Grade I listed galleries provided a new entrance forecourt and retail offering transforming the original 1896 building.

The redevelopment plans included a complete redisplay and reinterpretation of the Gallery’s collection across 40no refurbished galleries, presenting a greater and more diverse selection of portraits; the creation of new retail and catering facilities; and a new Learning Centre for visitors of all ages with studios, breakout spaces and high-quality practical facilities.

Please note the capacity for this event is very limited and therefore tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis, with a maximum of 2 per organisation.

Programme

09:30 Arrivals for registration and breakfast

10:00 Welcome

NLA

Danielle Gillespie, Design Project Director, Gilbert-Ash

Elizabeth Smith, Partner and Chairperson, Purcell

10:10 Tour begins

11:00 End

Speaker biographies

Elizabeth Smith

Architect, Partner and Chairman, Purcell

Members Only

Free

Accessibility:

The Gallery has a changing places toilet and universal toilets that are step free accessible via our lifts from Audrey Green. For any accessibility queries please email events@nla.london.

Meeting Point:

The meeting point will be shared with attendees ahead of the tour.