The Royal Academy of Arts, known affectionately as the RA, occupies the grand Burlington House on Piccadilly in the heart of Mayfair. Founded in 1768, it is Britain's oldest fine arts institution, led from the outset by artists for artists. For the visitor, the RA offers an unusually rich proposition: world-class loan exhibitions, a handsome eighteenth-century courtyard, and the celebrated Summer Exhibition, the largest open-submission art show on earth. It is a place where the historic and the contemporary sit comfortably side by side.
Why visit Royal Academy of Arts
Visit the Royal Academy for ambitious blockbuster exhibitions, free-to-roam architectural splendour, and the storied Summer Exhibition that has run without interruption since 1769. It is one of London's most respected art venues, run by practising Royal Academicians, and its Piccadilly location places it within easy reach of the West End and Green Park.
What sets the RA apart is its dual character. On one hand it stages major ticketed exhibitions devoted to single artists, movements and themes, drawing loans from collections across the globe. On the other, much of Burlington House can be enjoyed without a ticket at all, from the sweeping courtyard to the sculpture-lined corridors and the changing displays in its public spaces. Few institutions combine such scholarly weight with such a generous welcome to the casual passer-by.
Highlights and what to see
The Royal Academy rewards both the dedicated gallery-goer and the curious wanderer. Among the things most worth seeking out:
- The Summer Exhibition, an annual open-submission show hung floor to ceiling with thousands of works by established and unknown artists alike, most of them available to buy.
- The major loan exhibitions in the Main Galleries, which have spanned everything from Renaissance masters to leading living artists.
- The Taddei Tondo, a marble relief by Michelangelo and the only sculpture by the artist in Britain, displayed in the RA's collection galleries.
- The handsome Annenberg Courtyard, which often hosts large-scale outdoor sculpture and installations free to view.
- The connecting bridge and galleries linking Burlington House to the restored Burlington Gardens building, opened to mark the RA's 250th anniversary in 2018.
- The RA Collection of works by past and present Academicians, including pieces by founders such as Joshua Reynolds.
How to visit
The Royal Academy is at Burlington House, Piccadilly, in Mayfair, central London. The nearest Underground stations are Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines) and Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines), both a short walk away. Numerous bus routes run along Piccadilly, and the venue is comfortably reached on foot from Bond Street and St James's.
Access to the courtyard and many public areas is free, while major exhibitions are ticketed and can sell out at busy times, so booking ahead is wise. Admission charges, opening hours and current shows change regularly, so check the official Royal Academy website before you travel for the latest tickets and times. The galleries are spread across two linked buildings, so allow a couple of hours if you wish to see an exhibition properly and explore the wider site.
What's nearby
The RA sits among some of London's finest cultural and retail addresses. A few steps along Piccadilly lies Fortnum & Mason, while the elegant Regency arcade of Burlington Arcade runs alongside Burlington House itself. Green Park and St James's Park are within easy reach for a breath of air, and the auction houses, galleries and tailors of Mayfair and St James's fill the surrounding streets. The shops of Bond Street and the theatres of the West End are also close at hand, making the RA an ideal anchor for a day of sightseeing.
Royal Academy of Arts FAQ
Is the Royal Academy of Arts free to visit?
Entry to the courtyard and several public areas of Burlington House is free, so you can enjoy the architecture and any outdoor installations at no cost. Major exhibitions, however, are ticketed. Prices and what is currently free vary, so check the official Royal Academy website before your visit.
What is the Summer Exhibition?
The Summer Exhibition is the RA's annual open-submission show, held every year since 1769 and the largest of its kind in the world. It brings together thousands of works in many media by both renowned artists and newcomers, hung densely across the galleries, with most pieces available to purchase.
Where is the Royal Academy of Arts located?
The Royal Academy occupies Burlington House on Piccadilly in Mayfair, central London. The nearest Underground stations are Green Park and Piccadilly Circus, both within a short walk. Its position places it close to Bond Street, St James's and the West End, making it simple to combine with other sightseeing.
How long should I spend at the Royal Academy?
Allow around two hours to see a major exhibition at a relaxed pace and explore the wider site, including the courtyard and collection galleries. The Summer Exhibition, with its vast number of works, can easily fill longer. If you are simply admiring the architecture, a shorter visit will suffice.
Plan your visit
For more inspiration, browse our guide to London's museums and galleries, plan your wider trip with the best of London's visitor attractions, and discover the surrounding area through our overview of London's neighbourhoods, where Mayfair and St James's await.
