institution/profession, historical house
Adam Brothers, 1774
8 John Adam Street, WC2N 6EZ
A very good example of Georgian/Adam architecture. Restoration 2012 of Great Room (James Barry paintings), Benjamin Franklin room. 2019, restoration and installation of 1754-2018 mural in the Long Gallery.
Charing Cross, Embankment
Waterloo, Charing Cross
6, 9, 87, 91, 176
John Adam Street runs parallel with the Strand via Villiers Street, or via Adam Street. The rear entrance is via Durham House Street.
Wheelchair access is via the door to the right of the main entrance on John Adam Street. Please inform reception that you require entry.
This year we are celebrating the 271st anniversary of the foundation in London, of The Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce in 1754 by William Shipley. The RSA is also celebrating the 251 years of moving into our ‘House' in 1774 and the Society (after 1908 'Royal') has been in residence, ever since.
The building was designed as part of the Adam brothers' Adelphi complex and the architect was Robert Adam. In 1772 two foundation stones were laid with a time capsule buried under each stone, with the enclosed items listed in an archive record. The House boasts several original Adams features, including the cornice in the Great Room, iconic Adam stairwells, 14 Adam fireplaces and extensive vaults. The Great Room showcases James Barry’s series of paintings started in 1777 and completed in 1801, alongside portraits painted by Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds.
This year we will showcase our history through our archives. We will also be showcasing art works throughout RSA House so do come along.
• Digital/printed visitor guides to explore RSA House.
• Robert Adam’s original plans of No 8 John Street, (now John Adam Street), indentures, prints, letters, minutes etc.
• Horwood's 1799 map of London.
• Archive material relating to the laying of the foundation stones in 1772.
• Document of 1772 time capsule plus original medal that was buried in it.
• The Great Room and James Barry’s Paintings, started in 1777, completed in 1801
• Benjamin Franklin Room and Troika chandelier based on Franklin's design for bi-focal lenses.
• Showcasing various pieces of art works from different artists
• The Atrium, previously the rear yard of the main building including the original flagstones and an award-winning contemporary staircase.
• The vaulted Durham Street Auditorium with an 18th-century stone road and pavements incorporated into the design.
• The Vaults underpinning the building were used as warehousing and are now a unique event space.
•Follow the Library's journey from its first location in the House to its current home following the House redevelopments.
• The Long Gallery's full-length 1754–2018 mural, chronicles the history of the RSA in the style of the RSA Animates.
• As a family activity visitors can find the mural's historic characters and consider what would go in a time capsule of today.
• Explore our numerous private hire event spaces.
• The Coffee House will be open throughout the day, with light refreshments available to purchase. RSA House's bar, Muse, at RSA will be open for drinks.
• Learn all about our Fellowship.
