Black and white self portrait of Paul McCartney, head and shoulders reflected in mirror

Paul McCartney. Self-portrait. London, 1963. © 1963-1964 Paul McCartney under exclusive license to MPL Archives LLP. 

Paul McCartney, Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm

Opening February 2026

Located on Level 5

Admission is always FREE for AGO Members, AGO Annual Pass Holders & Ontarians under 25. Learn more.

EXHIBITION OVERVIEW

Between December of 1963 and February of 1964, The Beatles were catapulted from British sensation to global superstars. In stadiums, streets, and on The Ed Sullivan Show, their arrival in North America marked a major cultural shift. Greeted by screaming fans and press at every turn, Paul McCartney stood in the eyes of the storm and his photographs offer a unique perspective on what it was like to be a Beatle at the start of Beatlemania.  

Organized by the National Portrait Gallery in London, from Paul McCartney’s personal archive, comes more than 250 photographs of this incredible moment in time. A behind-the-scenes look at the meteoric rise of one of the world’s most celebrated bands, these images reveal Paul McCartney as a multifaceted artist.  

These intimate and historic photographs, shown alongside video clips and archival materials, capture both the intensity of The Beatles touring schedule and the energy of the era, as well more intimate views of his bandmates John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.

Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm has been organized by the National Portrait Gallery, London, England, in collaboration with Paul McCartney. It is curated by Sir Paul McCartney with Sarah Brown for MPL Communications and Rosie Broadley for the National Portrait Gallery. The presentation at the Art Gallery of Ontario is organized by Jim Shedden, Curator, Special Projects & Director, Publishing.  

Be the first to find out about AGO exhibitions and events, get the behind-the-scenes scoop, and book tickets before your visit.
Sign up to get AGO news right to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.