National Portrait Gallery to remain closed until 2023 for redevelopment

The National Portrait Gallery is to remain closed until spring 2023 for a major redevelopment project.

The gallery is about to undergo its largest ever redevelopment since the building in St Martin’s Place opened in 1896.

It had been hoped the gallery, which has been closed since March due to the pandemic, would reopen before its planned closure on June 29.

Director Dr Nicholas Cullinan said: “We had very much hoped we would be able to re-open the Gallery to visitors before our refurbishment commenced, but sadly it is now clear that this won’t be possible.

"We understand how disappointing this will be for many people who had planned to visit the Gallery for a final time and for those who didn’t have the opportunity to see our acclaimed exhibitions.

“We look forward to staying connected with all our audiences throughout the redevelopment period through these and to welcoming them back to the transformed Gallery in London in 2023.”