Royal Academy of Arts, London
The Royal Academy of Arts is one of the most prestigious art institutions in the United Kingdom, located in the heart of Mayfair, within the City of Westminster, London. This esteemed institution has been a cornerstone of the British art world for over 250 years, offering world-class exhibitions, a historic art school, and a vibrant cultural program. It is housed in the magnificent Burlington House, just off Piccadilly, and is an essential stop for art lovers and curious visitors alike.
History and Founding
The Royal Academy of Arts was founded in 1768 through a personal act of King George III, with the aim of promoting the arts through education and exhibition. Its first president was Sir Joshua Reynolds, one of the most influential painters of his time. Since its foundation, the Academy has remained independent and artist-led, operated by a group of distinguished artists and architects known as Royal Academicians.
Originally located at Pall Mall and later Somerset House, the Royal Academy moved to its current home at Burlington House in 1868. The building itself is a Grade II* listed structure, boasting an impressive façade and a grand courtyard used for large-scale outdoor installations and sculptures.
Location, Address, and Contact
The Royal Academy of Arts is located at:
Address:
Royal Academy of Arts
Burlington House
Piccadilly
London W1J 0BD
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 7300 8090
Website: www.royalacademy.org.uk
How to Get There
Nearest Tube Station
The nearest Underground station is Piccadilly Circus Station, which is served by the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines. From the station, it is a short 5-minute walk west along Piccadilly. Exit the station onto Piccadilly and head toward Green Park; Burlington House is on your right-hand side.
Opening Hours
The Royal Academy is open daily, with the exception of certain holidays. Opening hours are as follows:
- Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Fridays: Extended opening until 9:00 PM for select exhibitions
It is recommended to check their website before your visit, as opening hours may vary for special events or private bookings.
Admission Fees
The Royal Academy charges admission for most major exhibitions. However, entrance to the RA Collection and some displays in the free zones are open to all. As of 2025, typical admission fees are:
- Adults: £20 for major exhibitions
- Concessions: £15 (students, jobseekers, and seniors)
- Children under 16: Free, when accompanied by a paying adult
- Friends of the RA: Free admission to all exhibitions
What to See and Do
The Royal Academy’s main attractions include its rotating exhibitions, permanent collection displays, and educational events. Exhibitions have featured artists such as David Hockney, Lucian Freud, and Ai Weiwei. The RA Collection includes works by Turner, Constable, and Reynolds, displayed in the John Madejski Fine Rooms.
One of the Academy’s highlights is the annual Summer Exhibition, the world’s longest-running open submission art show, which has taken place every year since 1769. Thousands of contemporary works are showcased, many of which are available for sale, making it a vibrant, ever-changing experience.
The RA Schools
The Royal Academy is also home to the RA Schools, a postgraduate art school that provides free tuition to its small cohort of students. The Schools have nurtured many of Britain’s most notable artists and continue to play a vital role in supporting emerging talent.
Dining and Shopping
The onsite RA Café and The Keeper’s House restaurant provide stylish settings for refreshments. The RA Shop offers a curated range of art books, prints, gifts, and exclusive exhibition merchandise.
Fun Fact
In 2018, the Royal Academy underwent a major redevelopment project to celebrate its 250th anniversary. The renovation connected Burlington House with Burlington Gardens behind it, creating new exhibition spaces and enhancing visitor facilities. This expanded campus now allows visitors to explore more of the Academy’s artistic treasures than ever before.
Quick Facts
- Name: Royal Academy of Arts
- Location: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD
- Neighbourhood: Mayfair, City of Westminster
- Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus Station (Piccadilly & Bakerloo lines)
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Fridays until 9:00 PM)
- Admission: £20 for adults; free for children under 16
- Founded: 1768 by King George III
- Highlight: Annual Summer Exhibition and the RA Collection
- Website: www.royalacademy.org.uk
- Fun Fact: Underwent a major redevelopment for its 250th anniversary in 2018
Royal Academy of Arts is 
on the Map of Mayfair, London
Painting of Royal Academy of Arts, London
Page Details
This page was created on 5 June 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.List of Art Galleries in London
Want to share your London travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
Join the London Travel Tips Facebook GroupMore information for visiting London
Here are some related articles to help you get to know London better.- Cost of Living in London: Discover the true cost of living in London, including housing, transport, groceries, and more - plus tips for budgeting in one of the world's most expensive cities.
- Driving in London: Planning to drive in London? Learn about roads, car rentals, parking, tolls, and key tips for tourists and visitors from outside the capital.
- Driving Tips for Visiting London: Thinking of driving to London? Discover the best times to travel, congestion tips, parking apps, breakdown help, and petrol advice for a smoother journey.
- Evolution of London's Streets: Discover the fascinating history of how London's streets developed from ancient footpaths to today's complex network of roads across the capital.
- History of Immigration to London: Discover the rich history of immigration to London, from Huguenots to Bangladeshis, and how diverse communities have shaped the city's vibrant identity.
- How Big Is London Compared to Other World Cities?
- How London's Streets Measure Up: A Global Comparison of Road Widths
- How Streets of London are Named: Discover how London streets get their names, who decides them, and how historic, political, and public influences shape street naming in the capital.
- How the Grosvenor Family Came to Own Much of Mayfair, Belgravia and Pimlico: Explore how the Grosvenor family came to own much of Mayfair, Belgravia, and Pimlico, and learn about their historical connection (or lack thereof) with the British royal family and government.
- Living and working in London
- London's Quiet Collapse: How Living Standards Fell as Costs Skyrockted (1975-2025): Explore how London residents endured rising costs and falling living standards from 1975 to 2025 - from rocketing rents to wage stagnation and inflation.
- Marvel of the London Underground: Discover the history, challenges, and triumphs of the London Underground - the world's first underground railway and a vital transport lifeline for the UK capital since 1863.
- Moving to London: Expat Tips for Settling in Westminster: Essential advice for expats moving to London's Westminster: neighborhood insights, cost of living, transportation, housing, healthcare, schools, and tips to help you feel at home in the heart of the city.
- Places in London that aren't pronounced the way they're spelled
- Shopping in London: Discover London's diverse shopping scene
- Taking the bus in London: This is your complete guide to taking the bus when in London.
- The Anglican Faith: A Visitor's Guide to the Church of England: Learn about the Anglican faith and its deep ties to London's landmarks like Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Top 10 London Streets Every Visitor Must See: Discover London through its most iconic thoroughfares - 10 streets every visitor must experience. From historic Abbey Road to vibrant Camden High Street, explore culture, shopping, and hidden gems.
- Why are most roads in Central London so narrow? Learn why there are so few multi-lane roads and elevated highways in the heart of the city.
