I’ve always believed that great portrait photography isn’t just about the person in front of the lens—it’s about how their story is told. Whether you’re a photographer, an art lover, or just someone who enjoys a powerful image, these galleries are some of my favourite places in London to explore the art of portraiture.

From classic painted portraits to modern and thought-provoking photography, these galleries offer a mix of history, creativity, and storytelling that will leave you inspired.

If you’re looking for places that celebrate portrait photography in all its forms, these are five galleries you won’t want to miss.

1. The National Portrait Gallery – The Home of Portraits

📍 St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE
🔗 National Portrait Gallery Website

If you love portrait photography, the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) is the ultimate place to visit. Recently reopened after a major renovation, it’s home to centuries of portraits, spanning from historic paintings to some of the most striking contemporary portrait photography.

One of its biggest highlights is the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize, showcasing some of the best modern portrait photography worldwide. It’s always thought-provoking, often emotional, and a brilliant way to see how photographers use lighting, composition, and storytelling to capture human expression.

👉 Why visit? If you want to explore how portraiture has evolved over time—from classic painted masterpieces to modern-day photographic storytelling.

2. The Photographers’ Gallery – Where Portrait Photography Gets Experimental

📍 16–18 Ramillies St, London W1F 7LW
🔗 The Photographers' Gallery Website

For those who love cutting-edge photography, The Photographers’ Gallery is a must. Unlike the National Portrait Gallery, which explores all forms of portraiture, this space is dedicated purely to photography, showcasing some of the most exciting, thought-provoking work in the industry.

What makes this place special is that it champions emerging photographers as well as established names. Whether it's raw, documentary-style portraits or surreal, experimental work, there’s always something unexpected to discover.

👉 Why visit? If you want to see portrait photography at its most innovative and thought-provoking, this is the place.

3. Tate – A Different Take on Portraiture

📍 Tate Britain & Tate Modern, London
🔗 Tate Website

You might not think of the Tate when it comes to portrait photography, but both Tate Britain and Tate Modern frequently feature portrait photography that challenges traditional ideas of the genre.

At Tate Britain, past exhibitions like the BP Portrait Award (before it ended) showcased stunning photographic and painted portraits, giving insight into how artists and photographers interpret human expression.

Over at Tate Modern, things take a more conceptual turn. The work here often blurs the line between photography and art, exploring identity, culture, and experimental storytelling in unique ways.

👉 Why visit? If you’re drawn to portrait photography that pushes creative boundaries, Tate offers a fresh perspective.

4. Centre for British Photography – Celebrating British Talent

📍 49 Jermyn St, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6LX
🔗 Centre for British Photography Website

Centre-for-British-Photography 2 copy.jpg

A newer addition to London’s photography scene, the Centre for British Photography is all about highlighting the best of British photographers—past, present, and future.

This space shines a spotlight on emerging talent, giving a platform to photographers whose work deserves to be seen. The exhibitions here range from documentary-style portraits to deeply personal artistic expressions, making it a great place to experience photography as both storytelling and fine art.

👉 Why visit? If you’re interested in British portrait photography and love discovering new photographers before they go mainstream.

5. The V&A – Portrait Photography with a Historical Twist

📍 Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL
🔗 V&A Museum Website

The V&A Museum isn’t just about fashion and design—it also holds one of the most impressive photography collections in London, including some of the most iconic portrait photographs in history.

This is the place to explore how photography has shaped the way we see people, from Victorian-era prints to contemporary portraits that tell powerful cultural stories. If you’re fascinated by how portrait photography has evolved, the V&A’s collection is a goldmine.

👉 Why visit? If you love portrait photography’s connection to history, culture, and design, the V&A brings it all together beautifully.

Final Thoughts: London’s Best Portrait Photography Galleries

London is one of the best places in the world to experience portrait photography, and these galleries each bring something different to the table. Whether you’re drawn to classic portraiture, experimental photography, or something in between, there’s no shortage of inspiration to be found.

✨ Which of these galleries have you visited? Or is there one you’d love to explore next? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts on the best places to see portrait photography in London!

Thanks for reading my post!

I’m Samantha, and I’ve always been drawn to portraits.

I’m a London-based portrait photographer who’s spent years capturing people in their most natural and expressive moments. If you’d like to know more about my approach, you can read more here—there’s just something about capturing a person’s essence in a single frame that never gets old. Whether it’s a quiet, intimate family moment or a bold, expressive portrait, I love creating images that feel real, honest, and meaningful.

If this post has got you thinking about the power of portraits and what they mean to you, you can explore more of my work here:

🖼️ For creative, expressive portraits – View my portrait photography here.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For honest, natural family photography – See my family photography here.