How Bloomberg Connects elevates the National Portrait Gallery experience

Publish date: 5 Jun, 2025

Bloomberg Connects provides free digital guides to museums, galleries, gardens, public art, festivals, historic sites, and more, expanding access to arts and culture around the world.

Transforming the visitor experience

One organisation embracing the possibilities of Bloomberg Connects is the National Portrait Gallery. When the Gallery reopened its doors in 2023, it wasn’t just the building that had been transformed, the visitor experience had evolved too.

Rich, personalised storytelling

Through the free digital guide, visitors can explore the Gallery on their own terms. Curator and artist-led audio tours, alongside exclusive exhibition content, offer rich, layered storytelling that reflects the diversity of visitor interests, from Tudor portraits to contemporary commissions.

Seamless onsite integration

Integration across the site is seamless. Staff and signage at key touchpoints, such as the check-in desk, gallery maps, and artwork look-up points prompt visitors to engage with the guide. Accessibility features are also built-in, helping to create a more inclusive and welcoming experience for all.

Building the connections beyond the Gallery

Beyond the building, the Gallery continues to connect with audiences through smart offsite marketing embedding the digital guide into newsletters, social media, and a dedicated webpage to encourage exploration before and after visits.

A model for independent museums

For independent museums seeking to enhance accessibility, education, and visitor engagement, the National Portrait Gallery offers a compelling example of how Bloomberg Connects can make a meaningful difference.

Bloomberg Connects are the Headline sponsors of AIM National Conference 2025.

Click here to visit the Bloomberg Connects website (opens in a new tab)

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