gallery
Various architects, 1660
Piccadilly, W1J 0BD
Visit hidden spaces not usually open to the public, including the newly restored Royal Academy Schools and the original residence of the RA's 'Keeper'.
Green Park, Piccadilly Circus
14, 19, 38, 6, 9
The Royal Academy of Arts is a place where art is made, exhibited and debated. Along with temporary art exhibitions, it houses a working art school, free displays of objects from the RA Collection, and shops, cafés and private member spaces.
Burlington House is the last surviving palace of four, which once lined Piccadilly in the 1660s. Originally owned by the Earls of Burlington, it was purchased by the government in 1854, and it served as the headquarters of various learned societies. In 1867, the Royal Academy was granted a 999-year lease. It then erected its top-lit Main Galleries, art school and a third floor, all designed by architect Sidney Smirke RA.
In 2001, the Royal Academy purchased 6 Burlington Gardens, located directly north of Burlington House. With Heritage Lottery Funding, a new, central route between the sites united the two-acre campus in 2018, the product of a transformational redevelopment by Sir David Chipperfield RA. The final stage of this project was the restoration and modernisation of the Royal Academy Schools, which was completed in May 2024.
The Fine Rooms have been described as some of the finest early eighteenth-century interiors in England, with decoration designed by William Kent. Now used as private entertainment spaces, they also include changing art hangs from the RA Collection.
A member of our Collections team will be hosting free, drop-in 10-minute spotlight talks throughout the day, taking place at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.
A key part of the Royal Academy since its foundation in 1768, the RA Schools is the longest established school of fine art in the UK.
This year, celebrate the RA Schools reopening after a restoration project to preserve the historic spaces. Explore the newly unveiled RA Schools library, wander through the historic Cast Corridor, and discover the Life Room where generations of students mastered life drawing.
A member of the RA Schools team will be hosting free, drop-in 10-minute spotlight talks throughout the day, taking place at 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
The Keeper’s House has been a home for artists and art lovers for over 150 years. Built in the 1870s as the central London residence for the Keeper of the Royal Academy, today it is a dedicated, private space for members of the RA.
Step inside the Keeper’s House to explore its hidden cocktail bar, garden oasis, all-day café and exclusive club room, the Academicians’ Room. Works of art by Royal Academicians and emerging artists line the walls and you’ll have an opportunity to encounter our featured selling displays including work by Bob & Roberta Smith RA.
Established at the time of the Academy’s foundation in 1768 to serve the needs of the Members of the Royal Academy and students in its Schools, the Royal Academy of Arts Library is the oldest institutional fine arts library in the United Kingdom.
Join Adam Waterton, the RA’s Head of Library Services, as he talks visitors through the RA’s architectural history. We are running two, bookable guided tours at 11am and 1pm. Please note that spaces are limited and must be booked in advance.
Drop in / Guided tour
institution/profession, scientific
Experience the history, architecture and science of the East Wing of Burlington House, home to the Royal Society of Chemistry. Part of the quadrangle extension to Burlington House, it was purpose built for the learned society.
Robert Richardson Banks and Charles Barry, 1873
Drop in
institution/profession, library, education, scientific
The world's oldest active biological society. Founded in 1788, the Society takes its name from the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus whose botanical, zoological and library collections have been in its keeping since 1829.
Robert Richardson Banks and Charles Barry, 1873
Drop in / Guided tour
institution/profession, library, museum
The Society of Antiquaries of London has been exploring the material past since the early eighteenth century. This year we celebrate 150 years of residence in the purpose-built grade II* listed apartments in Burlington House, with its grand galleried library and varied collections. Today's membership of 3000 Fellows are leading experts in archaeology, history, art, architecture, and heritage.
Robert Richardson Banks and Charles Barry, 1875
Drop in / Family activity
institution/profession, scientific, library
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) moved into Burlington House 150 years ago in 1874. Part of the extension to Burlington House to provide accommodation for learned societies, the building was refurbished in 2007. The RAS is the oldest astronomical society in the world and has been encouraging and promoting the study of astronomy and geophysics since 1820.
Robert Richardson Banks and Charles Barry, 1874
