The National Portrait Gallery in Canberra has closed its doors until late August.
During the closure the gallery will undergo essential renovation works to maintain the integrity of its building and its collection of artworks.
The need to undertake repairs emerged within the building after heavy rains in 2016 with issues stemming from the original construction and others progressively identified.
Director of the Gallery, Karen Quinlan said that during the closure, travelling and satellite exhibitions, off-site events and a digital program would take place.
“We may be closed but we are certainly not taking a break,” Ms Quinlan said.
“We are off on an adventure around Australia, so if you cannot come to us, we are going to try and come to you,” she said.
“Our favourite touring exhibitions will continue and during the closure our Access and Learning team will accompany the exhibitions to present tailored community and school programs around the county.”
She said that in addition to this, the gallery’s videographer would be on the road with the touring shows, meeting people at regional art galleries throughout Australia, recording interviews and creating new mini documentaries.
“We’ll also be displaying a special satellite exhibition from mid-August at Parliament House ICONS — a contemporary photographic portrait exhibition of prominent Australians drawn from our collection,” Ms Quinlan said.
“These dynamic and bold portraits celebrate the achievements of outstanding Australians from culture, sport and science.”
After the Gallery reopens Ms Quinlan said she would announce plans for the 2020 exhibition program.
