The National Portrait Gallery in central London has been forced to close following an unexpected power outage on Thursday, 23 July 2026. The venue, currently hosting the Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait exhibition, announced the closure via a statement, apologizing for the inconvenience and offering ticketholders the option to exchange their tickets for another day or receive a full refund.
Affected Areas and Visitor Information
The closure affects all areas of the gallery, including the Marilyn Monroe exhibition and The Portrait Restaurant. However, the Audrey Green Cafe remains open for visitors. Affected ticketholders are advised to contact the National Portrait Gallery contact centre via email (info@npg.org.uk) or phone (020 7306 0055) to arrange ticket exchanges or refunds.
The Marilyn Monroe Exhibition
The centenary exhibition celebrating the late actress Marilyn Monroe opened in June and features works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Marlene Dumas, and Pauline Boty, alongside personal belongings of Monroe. The exhibition has been a major draw for visitors since its opening.
Recent Additions to the Gallery
In March 2026, the gallery added a portrait of Sir Elton John and his family to its collection, as well as the cover art for Lily Allen's album West End Girl, which will be on display for the next year. These additions reflect the gallery's ongoing commitment to showcasing contemporary culture alongside historical works.
About the National Portrait Gallery
Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery is located at St Martin's Place, London. It houses some of the most famous portraits in British history, including the Chandos portrait of William Shakespeare, the Ditchley portrait of Queen Elizabeth I by Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger, and the Bronte Sisters portrait by their brother Patrick Branwell Bronte. The gallery attracts millions of visitors each year and is a key cultural institution in the UK.
