Royal Academy of Arts, London

The oldest arts school in Britain, with a spectacular permanent collection and top notch art exhibitions in London.

The Royal Academy is the oldest art school in Britain, founded in 1768. Its permanent collection includes notable works like paintings by Reynolds, Gainsborough, Constable and Turner.

The Royal Academy was initially housed in cramped quarters in Pall Mall, although in 1771 it was given temporary accommodation for its library and schools in Old Somerset House. The Academy moved in 1837 to Trafalgar Square, where it occupied the east wing of the recently completed National Gallery.

The annual Summer Exhibition is the largest open contemporary art exhibition in the world. It showcases many different styles of arts, with works by established and amateur artists, and paintings, sculpture, photography, prints and architectural models on display.

Read our interview with Tim Marlow, artistic director of the Royal Academy.

Royal Academy

Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD

Royal Academy of Arts, London
Royal Academy of Arts, London
Royal Academy of Arts, London
Royal Academy of Arts, London
Royal Academy of Arts, London
Royal Academy of Arts, London
Royal Academy of Arts, London
Royal Academy of Arts, London
Royal Academy of Arts, London
Royal Academy of Arts, London
Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Kleon3 / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Kleon3 / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Commons:Sir James, de:Sir James / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)
Commons:Sir James, de:Sir James / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

Opening Hours

Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday:
10:00 - 18:00
Thursday:
10:00 - 18:00
Friday:
10:00 - 18:00
Saturday:
10:00 - 18:00
Sunday:
10:00 - 18:00
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