National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery 🖼️ Home of Australian Portraiture
🎟️ John Brack x Noel McKenna: 'A face in the mirror' Exhibition On Show Now!
📍 On Ngunnawal & Ngambri Country
(2575)

The National Portrait Gallery, situated on King Edward Terrace, Parkes, Canberra, bounded by the High Court of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia, displays some 400 portraits of people who have shaped Australia and who continue to shape our nation. Home to the nation's portrait collection the National Portrait Gallery comprises gallery spaces for the collection and temporary exhibitio

ns, public areas including a café, shop, function room, theatrette, education and school group areas, and basement car parking. To ensure that we keep our online community safe, we have developed a number of SOCIAL MEDIA AND ONLINE COMMUNITY GUIDELINES:

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For more information: https://www.portrait.gov.au/content/social-media-and-community-guidelines/

01/06/2026

RECONCILIATION DAY

This National Reconciliation Week, we've been spotlighting portraits currently on view that celebrate significant First Nations people.

This portrait of Richard Walley by Dr Julie Dowling, an artist of Badimaya, Irish and Scottish descent, can be found in our 'Power suits: The fit within the frame' exhibition. Here Dowling has depicted Walley as a respected Elder with his beloved didgeridoo and ochre sourced from Yamatji Country.

He is wearing a kangaroo-skin cloak and it is the ultimate power suit. Its presence in this exhibition interrupts the dominance of the Western suit, instead asserting an alternative image of strength and power, one achieved through connection to ceremony, Country and identity.

[Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this content contains an image and name of a deceased...
28/05/2026

[Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this content contains an image and name of a deceased person]

This National Reconciliation Week, we are spotlighting portraits currently on view that celebrate significant First Nations people.

Born at Cherbourg Aboriginal Reserve in Queensland, Wulli Wulli opera singer, educator and activist Harold Blair AO (1924–1976) began his career singing at local concerts while working on the cane fields. In March 1945 he sang on a radio talent quest, 'Australia’s Amateur Hour', gaining a record number of votes, and within months he was accepted by the Melbourne (Melba) Conservatorium of Music.

He then studied at the Juilliard School in New York, performing in a benefit concert at the New York Town Hall in early 1951. Back in Australia, he appeared as a guest artist for the ABC’s three-year Jubilee Tour of Australia and later taught music at the Melba Conservatorium and in schools.

In the late 1950s Blair became increasingly focused on supporting First Nations rights and self-determination, including serving on various state and federal bodies, among them the Australia Council’s first Aboriginal Arts Board. In 1973, he won praise for his last public performance in 'Dalgerie', the first ever opera staged at the Sydney Opera House.

This portrait of Harold Blair by Ernest Buckmaster is currently on view in Gallery 1.

[Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this content contains an image and name of a deceased...
26/05/2026

[Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this content contains an image and name of a deceased person]

Today is the first day of National Reconciliation Week. We are celebrating by recognising significant First Nations people whose portraits are currently on view at the Gallery.

Oodgeroo Noonuccal was born on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island, she enlisted in the Army in 1942 before committing to political work. Noonuccal was elected Queensland State Secretary of the Federal Council for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advancement in 1961 and campaigned successfully for amendments to the Constitution in 1967. Throughout her life, she advocated for cultural pride among First Nations people and also gained international acclaim for her writing, publishing 20 collections of poetry.

Previously known as Kath Walker, she adopted the name Oodergeroo (paperbark tree) Noonuccal (her peoples, the traditional owners of Minjerribah) in 1988 to align with her identity as an Aboriginal woman and in protest against the Bicentennial celebrations.

‘Kath Walker (Oodgeroo Noonuccal)’ 1965 by Clif Peir is currently on view in 'Power suits: The fit within the frame'.

MOULIN ROUGE TURNS 25 TODAY!It's hard to believe it’s been that long since Nicole Kidman lit up the screen as the unforg...
25/05/2026

MOULIN ROUGE TURNS 25 TODAY!

It's hard to believe it’s been that long since Nicole Kidman lit up the screen as the unforgettable 'Sparkling Diamond' in Baz Luhrmann’s blockbuster film. Her iconic role as Satine dazzled audiences and even earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy in 2002!

Nicole went on to become a multi-award winning actress and continues to shine as an Australian house-hold name whose talent inspires generation after generation.

We’re thrilled to have Karin Catt’s 2002 portrait of Nicole in the National Portrait Collection and you can catch it right now in our 'Power suits: The fit within the frame' exhibition.

22/05/2026

"John Brack and Noel McKenna are masters of observation"

Self portraits offer a unique glimpse into an artist's world, letting us see and feel their experiences through their eyes.

In turn, they can also provide us with the opportunity to pause and reflect on our own lives. Are there small, simple moments we might ordinarily miss but relish in the act of careful witnessing?

Our 'John Brack x Noel McKenna: A face in the mirror' exhibition is on until 19 July!

20/05/2026

Next week is National Reconciliation Week

This is an important opportunity for all Australians to deepen their understanding of our collective histories, cultures and achievements while also exploring more ways to contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Throughout the week, we will offer a free Reconciliation Week Highlight Tours, exploring some of the remarkable and resilient First Nations people currently on view in the galleries.

18/05/2026

If you could choose any artist to create your portrait, who would it be?

POWER SUITS: The fit within the frameEver stopped to think about how an item of clothing tells a story? Whether it's the...
16/05/2026

POWER SUITS: The fit within the frame

Ever stopped to think about how an item of clothing tells a story?

Whether it's the uniform of the corporate ladder or a sure bet when the dress code is confusing, your Sunday best or the outfit you wear when you just need big shoulder pads, the suit is a garment that sends a clear message.

There are over 100 works in this new exhibition, so come on in and unpick how this fashion classic shapes ideas around power, status and identity in portraiture.

ON SHOW NOW!

AC/DC FANS UNITE!Putting the pedal to the metal and the volume on max, we're excited to announce 'Iwantja Rock N Roll' b...
13/05/2026

AC/DC FANS UNITE!

Putting the pedal to the metal and the volume on max, we're excited to announce 'Iwantja Rock N Roll' by Yankunytjatjara artist Kunmanara (Tiger) Yaltangki (1973 - 2024) is now part of the permanent collection.

Renowned for his love of music and his colourful use of symbolism, Yaltangki's artworks vibrantly fuse Indulkana life with pop culture. In this work, he has paired his signature akubra hat with a variety of nods to rock legends AC/DC. Be it the band's logo or the electrifying, green guitar, this is a dynamic homage to an artist's love for his favourite band.

Now on show in gallery 2!

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