The courtyard of the Royal Academy of Arts, in front of the Burlington House, one of the few 18th century mansions that survived in the West End, is usually crowded with people waiting to get into this prestigious art exhibitions gallery, founded in 1768. The famous annual summer exhibition is held for over 200 years and presents about 1,200 new pieces of famous and unknown painters, sculptors and architects. Any artist, regardless of professional background, can present their work.
The Sackler Galleries (1991), designed by Norman Foster, house temporary exhibitions. There are permanent exhibitions on display, such as the one exhibiting a piece of Michelangelo showing the Virgin and Child (1505). The extraordinary permanent collection (not all on display) includes a work by each member, current or former, of the Royal Academy. There is a good shop on the first floor that sells several items created by academics for the institution.
Opening Times
Saturday – Thursday – 10:00AM till 6:00PM;
Friday – 10:00AM till 10:00PM.
Entrance Fees
Adults – £10;
Students – £7;
Under 7 – Free;
Seniors – £8.
Location
Burlington House – Piccadilly
London W1J 0BD
Closest attractions: Piccadilly Circus, St. James’s Palace and St. James’s Park.
Getting there:Piccadilly and Green Park tube stations. Buses 9, 14, 19, 22 and 38.
Contact
Website: www.royalacademy.org.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7300 8000
Facilities and Additional Information
- Disabled access facilities;
- Audio guide;
- Shops;
- Restaurants and cafés.
