About Royal Academy of Arts
Discover world-class exhibitions and historic collections at this prestigious Piccadilly gallery, complete with dining options and full accessibility for families with young children.
What's nearby
- Susannah Lovis Jewellers next door
- Burlington Arcade next door
- Boodles next door
- The Royal Institution 200m away
- St James's Piccadilly 200m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
I've been to the RA quite a few times, it has always been welcoming and interesting. The prices aren't ridiculous, and the café and toilets have always been good. Just going into the front courtyard is a wow. There is a subterranean route from the building on Piccadilly to the building on Burlington Gardens, which is lined with sculpture/casts (route is closed until mid-2027). Well worth a visit, even if (like me) you don't know much about art.
· via Google
What a wonderfully lively and vibrant place. I only visited the free galleries, and even that alone made for an immensely enjoyable experience. The atmosphere is energetic without feeling overwhelming, and it's very easy to lose track of time wandering through the exhibitions. The gallery shop is excellent as well, particularly if you're looking for artistic memorabilia, exhibition-related keepsakes, or beautifully designed gifts.
· via Google
This is definitely one of my favorite cultural stops every time I am in Piccadilly. I spent a peaceful afternoon exploring their latest temporary exhibition and wandering through the main galleries. You can really feel the creative energy in every room, and the architecture beautifully blends tradition with modern touches. I love that it feels much more intimate and less crowded than other large London museums, making it perfect for genuine inspiration. It’s a true artistic gem that is always worth the visit, especially if you appreciate artist-led institutions.
· via Google
The building itself is remarkable—an inspiring setting for the exhibition of Rose Wylie. Her work is striking in its immediacy and honesty. At 85, Wylie continues to work actively from her studio in Kent, producing paintings that embrace a deliberately raw, almost childlike visual language. Beneath this simplicity lies a deeply reflective practice: her canvases draw on memories spanning from the Second World War to the present day, blending personal recollection with imagery sourced from films, newspapers, television, and the internet. Beyond this exhibition, the institution offers a rich journey through art history, with galleries that thoughtfully present works from the 17th century onward. Particularly compelling is the presentation of works by Royal Academy students—an exceptionally selective programme that admits only 17 postgraduate artists each year—offering insight into emerging contemporary practices. And, of course, no visit would be complete without a stop at the shop, a destination in its own right.
· via Google
Visitors say this art institution consistently offers well-curated and diverse exhibitions, including the popular annual Summer Exhibition, and features a beautiful building with inspiring architecture. They also highlight the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the convenient on-site cafes and shops with good selections.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BD Get directions
- Category
- Museums & Galleries
- Guest rating
- 4.5 / 5 (2,084 reviews)
- Suitable for
- Ages 9+
- Setting
- Indoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- London