Royal Academy of Arts

Explore free displays and top exhibitions at the Royal Academy of Arts on Piccadilly. The Royal Academy was founded in 1768 by artists and architects and is still dedicated to their original aim of promoting the appreciation, understanding and practice of art in all its forms. Enjoy some of the finest temporary and touring art exhibitions at the Royal Academy of Arts, from ancient sculpture to contemporary masterpieces. The Academy’s permanent collection spans 250 years of British Art with works from the likes of John Constable, J.M.W. Turner and David Hockney. It is also home to the annual Summer Exhibition.

The Summer Exhibition is the world’s oldest open submission exhibition where anyone can enter their work to be considered for inclusion. Works from emerging artists sit alongside pieces from established names with former exhibitions including new works from artists such as Tracy Emin and Bruce Nauman. The Royal Academy of Arts is an art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly in London. It has a unique position as an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects. Its purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate

For over 250 years, the RA has existed to champion art and artists. Enjoy our expanded campus with free displays, new spots to eat, drink and shop, and much more.

  • We’re run by the Royal Academicians, artists and architects elected by their peers in recognition of their exceptional work. We’re home to Britain’s longest established art school, the RA Schools. Every year since 1768 we’ve held an annual Summer Exhibition, the largest open-submission art exhibition in the world. We present our collection of art and architecture in free displays throughout our home on Piccadilly. And we put on world-class exhibitions of art from around the world, welcoming hundreds of thousands of people to our galleries each year.

We are an Academy

We have a lot in common with museums and other galleries, but as an Academy, we have a broader role – to promote not just the appreciation and understanding of art, but also its practice.

We are led by artists

Just as our founders intended, we are still led by many of the greatest artists and architects of the day. Each Royal Academician must be a practising artist, elected by their peers in recognition of their work. Our Academicians represent many different perspectives, but we all share a deep commitment to art and a strong belief in the contribution that artists make to the world.

We are an independent charity

Unlike most of our peers, we don’t receive revenue funding from the government and so we are reliant upon the support of visitors, donors, sponsors, and the loyal Friends of the Royal Academy to continue our work.

Show all timings
  • Saturday10:00 - 18:00
  • Sunday10:00 - 18:00
  • Tuesday10:00 - 18:00
  • Wednesday10:00 - 18:00
  • Thursday10:00 - 18:00
  • Friday10:00 - 18:00
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