institution/profession, scientific, library
Robert Richardson Banks and Charles Barry, 1874
Piccadilly, W1J 0BQ
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.
Piccadilly Circus, Green Park
9, 14, 19, 38, 6
At the main entrance, there are five steps from the pavement to the doorway. A portable wheelchair ramp is available, and a lift indoors.
Guided tour of ground floor, first floor and second floor. There is a lift, and limited seating in the library.
We are delighted to welcome visitors to the Royal Astronomical Society for this year's Open House festival, during which we will be celebrating 150 years in New Burlington House. We will be open all day on Saturday 21 September for guided tours and pre-booked children's activities.
This year a number of fun-filled science activities for children will be taking place in our Lecture Theatre on Saturday 21 September. Sessions will be running at 11:15 for ages 7 to 11, and at 14:15 for ages 12 to 16.
These sessions need to be pre-booked. Places are limited to 20 children per session, and children must be accompanied by an adult (up to two adults per child).
Learn about comets, stars, constellations, and our founders the Herschels themselves! There may also be encounters with astronomers Caroline Herschel and her nephew John!
See the architectural features of the building, and learn about the history of astronomy and the Society through guided tours, which will include a special display of books, manuscripts and artefacts in our double-height, galleried library. Actors from Spectrum Drama will also bring to life some of the most fascinating discoveries in the history of science.
Tours will start at 10am and take place every half hour until 12.30pm, and will resume at 2pm. The last tour will start at 4.30pm.
The Royal Astronomical Society moved into Burlington House 150 years ago in 1874. It was founded in 1820. Since its inception it has been promoting the understanding of astronomy and geophysics by organising meetings, publishing research, and maintaining a specialist library and archive, among other activities. The Society originally occupied rooms in Lincoln’s Inn, and later, Somerset House. The Society’s apartments in Burlington House were specially built by the government for the learned societies when they were required to vacate Somerset House. The RAS now shares the courtyard of Burlington House with the premises of five other learned societies: the Linnean Society of London, the Society of Antiquaries, the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Geological Society of London, together with the Royal Academy of Arts. The insignia of the Society are traced into the fabric of the building, from the monograms in the entrance hall and lobby to the etchings on the stained glass 'cosmic spiral' window on the first-floor landing. This stunning window was designed and produced by Sally Scott, in association with Nero Designs, when the building was refurbished by Peregrine Bryant Associates in 2007.
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 / 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
