REVIEW - NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY UNFRAMED: STORIES BROUGHT TO LIFE | MEDIA CITY, SALFORD | 13/05/2025

National Portrait Gallery Unframed: Stories Brought To Life – A Lively, Immersive Celebration of Iconic Lives

It’s not every day you get to meet the faces of history – and hear them speak too! National Portrait Gallery Unframed: Stories Brought To Life, now open at MediaCity in Salford until 31 August 2025, is an ambitious collaboration between FRAMELESS Creative and the National Portrait Gallery. It’s the first immersive experience ever created using a national art collection – and it’s kicking off right here in Greater Manchester.

This 10,000 sq ft digital gallery offers more than static artworks. It’s a sensory, cinematic journey through the lives of figures who shaped Britain and beyond – from William Shakespeare to Malala Yousafzai, Queen Elizabeth I to Ncuti Gatwa.

The exhibition unfolds in three acts – Introduction, Immersion, and Reflection – and from the moment we stepped inside, it was clear this wasn’t your typical gallery visit.

Introduction: Meeting History Face to Face

The introductory space sets the scene with traditional-style portrait displays and short biographies. It was fascinating to see these iconic figures all in one room – from Amy Winehouse and Audrey Hepburn to Emmeline Pankhurst and Nelson Mandela.

My favourite portrait was Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin by Maggi Hambling. Hodgkin, the first British woman to win the Nobel Prize for Chemistry, made groundbreaking contributions by mapping the structures of penicillin, vitamin B12, and insulin. Hambling captures her in a moment of intense focus, surrounded by books, papers, and molecular models, with sunlight filtering through the window hinting at the passing of time. Having been a scientist myself, I felt an immediate connection — and I was especially drawn to the way Hambling uses rich, layered colour to convey both Hodgkin’s intellect and warmth.

For visitors needing additional support, the exhibition offers an accessible audio guide and BSL interpretation options, which is a thoughtful and welcome touch.

Immersion: When Portraits Come to Life

Next came the immersive section – and this is where the experience truly came alive. Through a seamless combination of HD projections, surround sound, animation, and narration, the portraits moved, breathed, and spoke. Some stories were narrated by actors (including a wonderfully regal Queen Elizabeth I), while others featured the voices of the subjects themselves. Malala Yousafzai’s segment was particularly stirring, and Ncuti Gatwa’s narration had warmth and humour in equal measure.

As a big theatre fan, my favourite part was the Shakespeare segment. I enjoyed the vivid imagery used to bring the Bard to life, and the audio commentary deepened my appreciation by sharing fascinating insights about his work and legacy. It truly felt like stepping into a live performance of history.

The audiovisual effects are nothing short of dazzling. The storytelling flows across a series of custom-designed digital frames, filling the space with light, movement, and emotion. It never feels overwhelming – just immersive enough to hold your focus, with enough breathing room between stories to reflect.

Frameless have clearly pulled out all the stops, with support from Hollywood-grade visual effects artists. The transitions, soundscapes, and narration work beautifully together, and while it may only take around 45–60 minutes to walk through, you’re likely to linger longer (we did!).

Reflection: Stories That Echo On

The final gallery invites you to pause and truly see yourself in the bigger picture—literally. Portraits of celebrated figures from the National Portrait Gallery line the walls, while in the centre, three captivating mirrored sculptures hang gracefully from the ceiling. These kinetic creations, commissioned especially for Stories Brought to Life, are the work of artist Ivan Black, whose mesmerising designs are inspired by both the precision of mathematics and the beauty of the natural world.

Gently swaying with the movement of the air, the sculptures shift and transform in an almost hypnotic dance, their two-way mirrors reflecting not just the art around them but also the people who stand and watch. It’s an intimate, almost playful interaction—placing you in conversation with history, side by side with iconic changemakers. The effect is both humbling and empowering, quietly asking: we each have a story to tell—what will yours be?

Practical Information

Located right in the heart of MediaCity, the venue is easy to access by tram or on foot, and well placed for a day out by the Quays.

No immersive experience would be complete without a memento, and the gift shop at the end offers a playful mix of books, Bowie socks, Shakespeare puppets, and more. It’s well curated, with many items reflecting the featured figures – perfect for extending the experience at home.

Tickets start from £21.95 for adults and £11.95 for children (with family bundles and discounted options available), which aligns with other immersive art experiences. It’s true that pricing might not be accessible for all families, especially during the holidays – but if you're looking for a cultural experience with broad appeal, this is a thoughtful, inspiring option.

Final Thoughts

Stories – Brought to Life is an inventive, emotional, and brilliantly crafted exhibition that bridges the gap between art and audience. Whether you’re a history lover, a pop culture fan, or simply curious about the lives behind the frames, this is a show that invites connection.

It’s not quite revolutionary – but it is refreshing. And it may just inspire the next generation to see portraits not as silent images from the past, but as living, breathing stories still echoing in our world today.

🎨✨ From Shakespeare to Ncuti Gatwa, this gallery experience turns history into a heartfelt performance – where every frame tells a story.

📍 At a Glance

National Portrait Gallery Unframed: Stories Brought To Life

📍 Location: The Piazza, Media City, Salford Quays, M50 2EQ, Greater Manchester

📅 Dates: 2 May – 31 August 2025

👧 Recommended age: 6+ (but suitable for all ages)

⏱ Average visit time:  60–75 minutes

]🎟 Ticket price:

• Advance Booking:  Adults from £15; Children from £7.50; Family (2 adults + 2 children) from £40

• On the Day: Adults from £18; Children from £10.50; Family from £52

🌐 Website: npgunframed.com for tickets and info