The National Portrait Gallery will reopen to the public on 22 June 2023 after closing in 2020 for an extensive refurbishment of its building.
Titled ‘Inspiring People’, the project included a redisplay of the collection in nine refurbished galleries, as well as the restoration of the Grade I-listed building.
Designed by Jamie Fobert Architects, it also included the redevelopment of the gallery’s East Wing, now known as the Weston Wing, and the addition of a new learning centre.
“As we approach 2023, the countdown to our reopening after the largest and most comprehensive redevelopment in our history has well and truly begun,” said Nicholas Cullinan, director of the National Portrait Gallery.
Collection redisplayed in refurbished galleries
The redevelopment project was supported by major grants from the Blavatnik Family Foundation, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Ross Foundation.
“The National Portrait Gallery has been a source of inspiration and delight for over a century,” said Eilish McGuinness, chief executive at the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“This project will transform and reimagine the building, collection and public engagement and ensure it continues to inspire generations to come.”
The first floor of the National Portrait Gallery will be renamed the Blavatnik Wing following a £10 million gift from the foundation established by British-American businessman and philanthropist Leonard Blavatnik.
“The Blavatnik Family Foundation is proud to support the National Portrait Gallery, and we look forward greatly to next year’s opening,” said Blavatnik.
Philippa Charles, director of the Garfield Weston Foundation, said the new Weston Wing “will create much needed additional public and gallery spaces“.
David Ross, the Ross Foundation’s chairman and National Portrait Gallery’s chair, said the project “will continue to encourage people from all over the country and beyond to come and see the amazing works we have on display”.
Meanwhile, BP and the National Portrait Gallery are due to end a 30-year partnership, with the oil giant’s sponsorship of the institution’s annual Portrait Award to expire this month.
Images: National Portrait Gallery
