Royal Academy of Arts

The Royal Academy of Arts has a unique position in being an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects whose purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate.

9 / 10
1597
ratings
  • Phone

    +44 20 7300 8000

  • Website

    royalacademy.org.uk

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    royalacademyarts

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  • Type

    Art Museum

Address

50-52 Piccadilly London Greater London W1J 0BD United Kingdom

Credit Cards Yes (incl. Visa & MasterCard)
Wi-Fi Yes

Comments / 129


Keywords:

manet degas architecture ai wei wei exhibits gardens tours café scenic views cake afternoon tea wifi arts great value museums coffee quiet dancing Ruben sculptures
Bijan Young

Great exhibitions with a lot of thought and attention. Gardens exhibition has some amazing pieces and really well integrated. Subject matter really brought to life together with the art and artists

Shawn Callahan

If you are a Charles Darwin fan then this is an important place. In 1858 Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace presented a joint paper on evolution by natural selection in the Reynolds Room .

Thomas Defise

Even if you don’t have a paid exhibition planned there, it worth the visit, there is a lot of free display that are worth it

Edelyn

I m a fan of their monthly RAlates event . Plenty of workshops and entertainment, and very classy too. They are usually fully booked 2-3months in advance, so book early!!!

Chris P

Bit, pompous, I guess it's the company they keep! Great exhibition on abstract expressionism. Wonderful to see so many significant works in a suitably big space . Interesting audio commentary.

Lucille Fisher

A must visit every time I'm in London. The current Ai Wei Wei retrospective is illuminating-both the artist and his art .

Ben Adelie

Always at least one exhibition to see. Don't forget about the Burlington Gardens space, behind the building.

Lina Noueiri

If you are some type of art student in London and need to visit lots they have half price on membership which means you can go to anything there for a year for free and bring a guest for free too

Izzy Weber

NOTHING beats the Summer Exhibition . It’s wonderful seeing so many completely different works of art displayed harmoniously in a gorgeous setting.

Isa Sierra

In my recent visit, I discovered the keepers house - an area with quiet bars and limited-access gardens . A lovely end to my visit.

Catherine Monfils

Love their cafe/restaurant Very chilled atmosphere with good selection of drinks & cakes . Try the cranberry , apple , cucumber cooler.

Atsuko Whitehouse

If you are a member of RA, you can come in between 9 - 10 without booking . It is not too busy. I highly recommend to pop in.

Nico Macdonald

Great exhibitions (though not subsidised), good place to meet (in the courtyard or elsewhere), grand expansion plans for the future

Zara Khan

Anselm Kiefer's exhibit runs till December. A must see! What a treat. Highly recommended!

Katy Zack

Amazing exhibitions and a charming members cafe . Worth getting a membership for both perks!

Alex

Great exhibition on Manet . Audioguide technology sucks. You're not supposed to touch the screen although it's a touchscreen w Android app.Stops working if you do accidentally which inevitably happenes

B

Always worth a photo in their courtyard

Browhaus

The Nicholas Hawksmoor exhibit is wonderful, capturing the famous architect’s life with a series of pictures, quotes, and work from the artist himself. We highly recommend it.

Bianca Padilla

Summer exhibit was very enjoyable and a great way to spend an afternoon!

Ross Groom

Great exhibitions , the membership is good value too!

Ashley Bovan

they have some good exhibitions here - an easy stroll from Piccadilly Circus - afterwards you can relax in Green Park , further down the road

Swarmstrong

Amazing architecture ! And spectacular exhibitions . Definitely recommended for art lovers

Jonas Voss

Great exhibition space in the heart of London. Puts on great shows, but you also pay the price.

Bijan Young

Fabulous exhibitions and care to customer preferences. Amazing building and central. Special.

Dan

I just love the feel of this place - it absolutely exudes sophistication.

Delia Laurent

Might become one of 'my' museums in London for its contemporary exhibits . Enjoyed the summer exhibition

Arix Bi

Abstract Expressionism one of the best exposition of my life definitely to go!!!!! Lovely place

ToryBurch

Founded in the 18th century by King George III, it's one of the great British Institutes for the arts featuring work by both contemporary and historical artists .

Christo Papadopoulos

Debatable how good to the eye what you'll see will be. But you gotta try ;)

Di Kadyrova

They do nice exhibitions , but make sure you buy tickets in advance

Michelle C

Become a Friend of the RA! So many perks. Oh yeah, Ai Weiwei hangs out here a lot. Look out!

Alexia K

Great art and architecture exhibitions . visit the cafe as well great atmosphere

Thomas Knüwer

If you are able to see the Summer Exhibition then go!

Jun S

Great summer exhibition . Love impressionists.

T K

If you are in London during summer, please do visit here for its Summer Exhibition .

Nick Lansley

Very popular place so it pays to order tickets in advance or you may end up queuing. If you go once a quarter or more frequently, membership is great value .

Lucy Lisanti

Become a member of the Academy to access new exhibitions first and skip the queue! If you're a member you also have access to a separate restaurant which tends to be a bit pricey but has nice food!

Louis Vuitton

Visit the annual summer exhibition , which is London’s largest open submission art exhibition . It has been going for 242 years, and is an incredible collection of established and emerging artists .

Metar Algazi

The exhibition of Hungarian photography is amazing. Some of the finest, most influential photographs and photographers and incredible prints . Shame there were no posters.

Roxanna Samii

If you are in london do not miss Ai Weiwei impressive exhibit

Kevin McCulley

An amazing collection of exhibits from a very diverse range of disciplines.

Dominic Furlong

Fabulous Rubens exhibition currently, portraying the iconic Master's art & his legacy from Van Dyck to Cézanne.

Ashik Shah

Beautiful space and location. Members lounge a bit full, but good place to relax and decontruct if you wish. Although appreciation is also allowed.

Dave Marshall

Wifi is available at this museum , as is great coffee and guided tours

Joan Duong

Haven’t been here in years. Nice to walk and be inspired.

euan mcmaster

Become a friend because events are then free and the friends' catering is excellent

Nicole Serratore

If you need a toilet in the neighborhood it's free to enter and they are to the left of the main stairs.

Sachi Shimokawa

Exclusive exhibition was really nice. So inspired by loads of paintings .

Mara

Beautiful exhibitions ! A Must!

Sam Krasnik

Intimate spot, great building, engaging Matisse exhibit

Similar places nearby :

6.2
Café
The RA Café

Scones were like rocks - Andrey Gibaryan

Art Gallery
RA Now

Always an exhibition that’s worth viewing! - Charles Polák

Tea Room
The Friends' Room

Nice place to rest weary feet after an exhibition - Paul Rousou-Adams

9.2
Art Museum
Tate Britain

Amazing artworks and exhibits. The art from different decades - particularly the 80s-90s were blowing away my mind - Mats Christiansen

9.5
Art Museum
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)

One of My favorite museum! Lots of things to see, the entrance is beautiful and the shop is very interesting! you must go to the coffee shop! There's a beautiful room to have some food! - Cy Saito

9.2
Art Museum
Tate Modern

Spare good amount of time if you are a fan of contemporary art because this place has a massive and great collection! Dont miss the temporary exhibitions, though visiting all will take more than a day - Pinar E.

9.3
Department Store
Fortnum & Mason

Went to the first floor tea room for a coffee and crumpet. Amazing. Tasty cappuccino. Pricey but classy. - Sunny Пател

9.1
Plaza
Piccadilly Circus

History has been made here!! You must visit Piccadily Circus. Lovely weather, very social spot with nice selection of Cafés - Ahmed Abdullah

8.9
Mall
Burlington Arcade

One of the best arcades ever for a fab English experience and great shops - clive kornitzer