Royal Academy of Arts – Your Complete Visitor Guide

The Royal Academy of Arts in London is one of the oldest and most distinctive art institutions in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1768, it operates as an independent charity led by practising artists, not by government or royal decree. Its home is Burlington House on Piccadilly, a landmark building that has housed the institution since 1869.

Each year, the RA draws over 1.5 million visitors to its exhibitions, events, and educational programmes. Its most famous offering, the Summer Exhibition, has run annually without interruption since 1769, making it the world’s oldest open-submission art show. The institution balances a deep historical tradition with a constantly evolving programme of contemporary art.

Beyond exhibitions, the Royal Academy runs a postgraduate art school, operates a shop, and offers membership schemes. It is a place where art is made, exhibited, and debated, as its own mission statement puts it. This guide covers everything from tickets and location to the Summer Exhibition, education, jobs, and membership, using only verified information from the institution’s own resources and trusted cultural partners.

What is the Royal Academy of Arts and Where is it Located?

• The Royal Academy of Arts is an independent charity and one of the oldest art institutions in the UK, unique in being artist‑led.
• Its Summer Exhibition is the world’s largest open submission art exhibition, receiving thousands of entries each year.
• The RA offers postgraduate fine‑art education through the Royal Academy Schools, a three‑year programme with a stipend.
• Tickets for special exhibitions often sell out quickly; advance booking is recommended.
• The official website is the only source for real‑time ticket availability, shop purchases, and membership login.

How to Get Tickets for the Royal Academy of Arts

Tickets for exhibitions at the Royal Academy can be booked online through the official website. For the Summer Exhibition, tickets are managed via the same booking system used for all RA shows. Prices vary depending on the exhibition. For example, the Kerry James Marshall: The Histories exhibition was listed at £23.50–£25.50 including donation, with Friends of the RA admitted free of charge.

The RA is located at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BD. Typical opening hours for exhibition spaces are Tuesday to Sunday 10am–6pm, with late opening on Friday until 9pm. The RA is closed on Mondays, except during certain public holidays. Visitors should always check the official Exhibitions and events page for the most current opening times and ticketing details before planning a visit.

What is the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition and Competition?

An Open Submission Tradition Since 1769

The Summer Exhibition is the RA’s flagship annual event. First held in 1769, one year after the Academy was founded, it has taken place every year without exception since then. The RA describes it as the world’s oldest open submission exhibition, meaning any artist, professional or amateur, can submit work for consideration. Works are selected and hung by Royal Academicians and span painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, architecture, and film.

How to Enter the Competition

Entry for the Summer Exhibition opens each year, typically in January. Exact deadlines and submission fees are confirmed on the RA website each season. Since 2015, all works submitted to the Summer Exhibition have been made browseable online through the Summer Exhibition Explorer, with many available to purchase directly. Historical context from the Paul Mellon Centre’s RA Chronicle notes that around 14,000 visitors attended the 1769 exhibition, while nearly 200,000 visited in 2017.

Does the Royal Academy of Arts Offer Education and Jobs?

Royal Academy Schools

The Royal Academy runs its own educational arm, the Royal Academy Schools, which offers a three-year postgraduate programme in fine art. It is one of the few free-at-the-point-of-access postgraduate art courses in the UK, funded entirely by donations. Students receive a stipend, and the programme culminates in a degree show. The Schools reflect the RA’s original mission to combine art education with public exhibitions.

Job Opportunities at the RA

As a major cultural institution with year-round exhibitions, a shop, and public programming, the RA employs staff across multiple departments. Job vacancies are posted on the official RA careers portal. Third-party job boards may not always list current openings, so the official website remains the most reliable source for those seeking employment at the institution.

How to Use the Royal Academy of Arts Shop and Login Portal

RA Shop

The RA Shop at Burlington House is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am–6pm and Friday 10am–9pm, closed on Mondays. It offers a curated selection of art books, prints, gifts, and exhibition-related merchandise. The shop is an integral part of the visitor experience, located within the same building as the galleries.

Membership and Login

The RA offers a Friends of the RA membership scheme, which provides benefits such as free entry to selected exhibitions and half-price tickets for others. The official website hosts a membership login portal where members can manage their accounts, renew subscriptions, and book tickets. Specific login details, account functions, and full membership tiers are accessible only through that portal.

What Are the Key Milestones in the Royal Academy’s History?

1. 1768 – Foundation of the Royal Academy of Arts by King George III and 34 founding artists.
2. 1769 – First Summer Exhibition held, featuring 136 works.
3. 1770 – First President Sir Joshua Reynolds delivers the first annual Discourses on Art.
4. 1869 – Move to Burlington House, Piccadilly, the current location.
5. 1999 – Launch of the Royal Academy Schools postgraduate programme with full scholarships.
6. 2018 – 250th anniversary celebrations and major renovation of Burlington House.
7. 2023 – Record attendance for the Summer Exhibition (over 200,000 visitors).

What Information About the Royal Academy of Arts Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?

What Is the Significance of the Royal Academy of Arts in the Art World?

The Royal Academy of Arts occupies a unique position as an artist-run institution, balancing tradition with innovation through its open submission policy. Its Summer Exhibition has shaped public taste for over 250 years and remains a barometer of contemporary British art. The RA’s educational programme, the Royal Academy Schools, is one of the few free-at-the-point-of-access postgraduate art courses in the UK, funded by donations. Recent refurbishments and digital initiatives, including virtual tours and online collections, have increased global accessibility to the institution and its programmes.

What Do Official Sources Say About the Royal Academy of Arts?

“The Royal Academy of Arts is a place where art is made, exhibited and debated.”

– Royal Academy of Arts official website, mission statement

“Founded in 1768, it is the oldest fine arts institution in the United Kingdom.”

– Wikipedia, Royal Academy of Arts

“The RA hosts major exhibitions by historic and living artists, and its permanent collection includes works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Gainsborough.”

– Art UK venue profile

What Is the Best Way to Experience the Royal Academy of Arts?

The most rewarding way to experience the Royal Academy of Arts is to plan a visit around a specific exhibition, book tickets in advance through the official website, and allow time to explore both the galleries and the shop. For those who wish to return regularly, membership offers significant value, including free entry to selected shows. The Summer Exhibition remains the single most important event on the RA calendar and is the best introduction to the institution’s unique character.

Frequently Asked Questions