institution/profession, library, museum
Robert Richardson Banks and Charles Barry, 1875
Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J 0BE
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.
Piccadilly Circus, Green Park
14, 19, 38, 6, 9
Ramp available for accessing ground floor, lift access to upper floors. Seating available on each floor.
We are delighted to welcome visitors to the Society of Antiquaries of London on Saturday 21 September for drop-ins and pre-booked guided tours. 2024 marks 150 years since the Society moved to the purpose-built apartments in Burlington House (now grade II* listed). To celebrate our anniversary and the landmark moment of agreeing a 999-year lease on our headquarters, the learned societies have grouped together to design a trail of hidden treasures of Burlington House.
Pre-booked tours will take visitors behind the scenes at Burlington House to view collections and architecture not normally available to the public, including the Fellows’ Room and General Secretary’s office.
Family-friendly self-guided tours will allow visitors to explore the hidden treasures of the Society of Antiquaries, Royal Astronomical Society, Linnean Society, and Geological Society.
The Society of Antiquaries of London traces its origins to a meeting of three friends, Humfrey Wanley, John Talman, and John Bagford, in a London tavern in December 1707. The Society now has more than 3000 Fellows, who are experts in fields related to material culture such as archaeology, history, and heritage. The Society’s library, museum, and archive collections reflect the many and varied interests of its Fellows over its 300-year history.
The buildings were designed in an Italianate style by Robert Banks and Charles Barry Junior in the 1870s. The northern part of the building was originally designed as accommodation for the Society’s General Secretary, and only the entrance hall, Meeting Room, and Library were public rooms. The insignia of the Society, the ‘lamp of knowledge’, can be found throughout the building, from the floor of the entrance hall to book spines in the galleried library.
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 / 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
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
