LONDON.- This summer, the National Portrait Gallery has welcomed its inaugural members to CLUB NPG, a new free membership scheme for young people aged 16 to 25.

Free to join, CLUB NPG connects members with the people, stories and ideas shaping culture today through the Gallery’s varied programme of exhibitions and events. By joining, members receive £5 exhibition tickets, discounted event tickets, seasonal newsletters, free online access to the NPG’s quarterly Face to Face magazine and early access to special retail experiences and art edition launches.

Created in collaboration with young people and building on the Gallery’s youth programme, CLUB NPG aims to reduce the price of exhibition and event tickets for its members across the UK and beyond. Research undertaken by the Gallery with visitors aged 16 to 25 showed that for 25% of young people, the main barrier to visiting exhibitions was financial. At the same time, young visitors derive significant educational, creative and personal benefits from their experience with 41% citing that a visit to the NPG improved their knowledge of art and culture, 27% feeling creatively inspired and 25% saying that it helped them to understand other perspectives. By offering reduced price £5 tickets across all NPG exhibitions, seven days a week, alongside free access to our Collection, we hope to create a more attractive and consistent offer for young people.

Over 1000 young people have already signed up to become CLUB NPG members in its first month, unlocking access to £5 tickets for Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait, available seven days a week. To coincide with the launch of CLUB NPG, and due to popular demand, the Gallery will also extend its summer exhibition hours, providing the opportunity for visitors to see the blockbuster exhibition after the Gallery’s daytime crowds. In addition to regular late opening on Fridays and Saturdays, Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait will also open until 9pm every Thursday in August.

“CLUB NPG gives young people a meaningful and affordable way to connect more deeply with everything the Gallery does. Affordable access to the exhibitions, creative opportunities, and free events designed for young people - all wrapped into one easy pass. It’s about belonging and creating a home away from home. From our own research, we know how much young people benefit from the time they spend at the NPG, so I extend my huge thanks to our generous supporter for championing how young people experience the Gallery.” -- Ivi Varda, Head of Membership and Loyalty, National Portrait Gallery

Visitors aged 16 to 25 can book £5 exhibition tickets by joining CLUB NPG for free, thanks to generous private donor support.