National Portrait Gallery: Stories - Brought to Life Exhibition Tickets

Step into Stories – Brought to Life and witness the UK’s most iconic figures reimagined in a breathtaking 360° digital experience. From Elizabeth I to Grayson Perry, explore portraits brought to life with immersive visuals, moving audio, and powerful storytelling at MediaCity.

Getting started

Head to the purpose-built immersive venue at MediaCity, Manchester. After checking in, step into a series of digitally animated galleries where portraits and stories from the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection come alive through immersive technology.

What to expect

• Immersive storytelling: Journey through British history as portraits of iconic figures like Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, and Shakespeare are reimagined using high-definition projections, cinematic effects, and dynamic soundscapes.

• Digitally reimagined portraits: Witness archival photography, original animations, and powerful excerpts from real speeches breathe life into each sitter’s story across different time periods—from the Tudors to today.

• Interactive spaces: Move freely through themed rooms, each offering a fresh way to engage with historical narratives and personal journeys that shaped the UK’s culture.

• Frameless x National Portrait Gallery collaboration: This first-of-its-kind experience is created in collaboration with Frameless AND National Portrait Gallery, blending curatorial expertise with cutting-edge digital artistry.

National Portrait Gallery: Stories - Brought to Life Exhibition Tickets

Discover the National Portrait Gallery on this immersive sightseeing tour that includes dynamic projections, cinematic storytelling, and full-sensory experiences. Explore iconic figures such as Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, William Shakespeare, and more through 360° visuals, animation, archival footage, and soundscapes tailored to each British icon's story. Experience real-life speeches, original narrations, and custom music that add depth and emotion to the journey. This first-of-its-kind collaboration with Frameless and the National Portrait Gallery offers a unique glimpse into British history through innovative technology and storytelling techniques. The tour covers approximately 20 galleries across 135,000 square feet of exhibition space, providing visitors with over three hours of engaging content in English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and Japanese languages. Guests can also enjoy guided tours with audio descriptions for visually impaired individuals, ensuring access to all areas of the museum.

Explore National Portrait Gallery: Stories - Brought to Life Exhibition

Your tour stops at the National Portrait Gallery where you will experience a groundbreaking exhibition featuring dynamic projections and immersive storytelling. The gallery was established in 1856 and covers an area of approximately 135,000 square feet across 20 galleries, making it one of the largest portrait collections in the world. Visitors can see iconic figures such as Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, William Shakespeare, and others through a combination of archival footage, soundscapes, and custom music that brings each story to life. The exhibition features over 360° visuals, animation, and original narrations, providing an unparalleled sensory experience. Guests spend approximately three hours exploring the galleries, immersing themselves in the rich history and culture of Britain through innovative technology and storytelling techniques. This unique exhibit stands out from other museums by offering a full-sensory journey that combines visual art with cutting-edge multimedia elements, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in British history and culture.

Tour Highlights

• Experience dynamic projections at National Portrait Gallery
• Immersive storytelling covering 20 galleries
• Audio guides available in English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese
• Real-life speeches featuring iconic figures like Mandela and Malala
• Custom music and original narrations adding depth to each story
• Archival footage and soundscapes tailored to each British icon's journey
• Access for visually impaired individuals with audio descriptions
• Engaging content spanning over three hours of exploration

Perfect for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and technology aficionados, this immersive tour provides a unique glimpse into British history through innovative storytelling techniques. The full-sensory experience allows you to explore iconic figures such as Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, William Shakespeare, and more, giving you an in-depth understanding of the rich cultural heritage of Britain while enjoying cutting-edge multimedia elements.