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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Casey Cooper-Fiske

National Portrait Gallery forced to close after ‘unexpected’ power outage

The National Portrait Gallery is set to close for a day on Thursday following an "unexpected" power outage.

The central London venue, currently hosting the Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait exhibition, has confirmed that all ticketholders will be offered the option to exchange their tickets for another day or receive a full refund.

A statement from the gallery read: “Due to an unexpected power outage, we have unfortunately had to close the National Portrait Gallery today until further notice.

“This includes the exhibition Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait and The Portrait Restaurant.

“All affected ticketholders should contact the National Portrait Gallery contact centre (info@npg.org.uk/020 7306 0055) to exchange their ticket for another day or receive a refund.

“Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused. The gallery’s Audrey Green Cafe remains open.”

The centenary exhibition celebrating late actress Monroe opened in June, and showcases works by Andy Warhol, Marlene Dumas and Pauline Boty, along with her personal belongings.

Recent pieces to go on display also include a picture of Sir Elton John and his family, which was put up in March, and the cover of Lily Allen’s West End Girl album was also added to the museum’s exhibition for the next year in the same month.

Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery is located in London’s St Martin’s Place, with some of its best known works on permanent display including the Chandos portrait of William Shakespeare, the Ditchley portrait of Queen Elizabeth I by Marcus Gheeraerts The Younger, and the Bronte Sisters by their brother Patrick Branwell Bronte.

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