Royal Academy Of Arts

The Royal Academy Of Arts annual Summer Exhibition is the world’s largest open submission contemporary art exhibition. Founded more than 150 years ago the Academy is run as an independent charity which allows them to support art, especially that by British artists, and educate the widest possible audience.

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.

The Royal Academy of Arts was founded through a personal act of King George III on 10 December 1768 with a mission to promote the arts of design through education and exhibition. The 34 founding Members were a group of prominent artists and architects including Sir Joshua Reynolds and Sir William Chambers who were determined to achieve professional standing for British art and architecture.

One of the founding principles of the RA was to 'mount an annual exhibition open to all artists of distinguished merit' to finance the training of young artists in the RA Schools. Now known as the Summer Exhibition and held every year without interruption since 1769.Tickets can be bought online or over the telephone.

The Academy also houses a large Collection of works by British artists and predominantly ranges from the 18th century to the present day. Highlights in the collection of paintings and sculpture include major works by Reynolds, Gainsborough, Turner, Constable, Alma-Tadema, Flaxman, Millais, Leighton, Waterhouse, Sargent, Spencer and Hockney.

Contact details for the Royal Academy of Arts tel: 020 7300 8000, to book exhibition tickets tel:  0844 209 1919.

Royal Academy of Arts opening times:

10am-6pm Saturday-Thursday (last admission to galleries 5.30pm)
10am-10pm Friday (last admission to galleries 9.30pm)

Free guided tours:

1pm Tuesday
1pm and 3pm Wednesday-Friday
11.30am Saturday

View Larger Map

If you would like to view search results for London galleries click here.