FAQs

How many times a year can I visit the RA Exhibitions?
Friends can visit the RA for free all year round, simply show your Friends membership card to the gallery assistant at the entrance to any exhibition. You may invite one family adult guest and up to four family children under the age of 16 to accompany you for free.

Who can use my Friends Membership Card?
The membership card may only be used by the named cardholder. If you hold a Joint membership you will have received a second card. In addition to your basic membership, each Friend is entitled to buy one extra guest pass, available at the Friends Desk for £15. This entitles you to bring an additional adult guest each time you visit.

What happens if I need a replacement Membership Card?
If your card has been lost or stolen please inform us at the Friends Desk or call the Friends Office. A replacement card will be sent to you within 2 weeks. We can issue a day pass at anytime at the Friends Desk if you have forgotten your card or if you are waiting for your replacement card and want to see an exhibition.

Where can I find out about forthcoming exhibitions?
Dates and details are given in RA Magazine delivered to your home address four times a year and on the RA website: www.royalacademy.org.uk/friends . If you move, please let us know your new address so that your copy of RA Magazine arrives on time.

Where can I find out about Friends exhibition previews?
Preview dates are listed on the RA website: www.royalacademy.org.uk/friends , and on the Friends Carrier Sheet and Exhibition Diary page in RA Magazine. You can attend exhibition previews accompanied by one family adult guest and up to four family children.
Please note: The Summer Exhibition is the only exception whereby you will receive a preview invitation for a specific date with the summer edition of RA Magazine.

What are the Sir Hugh Casson & Belle Shenkman rooms?
Adjacent to the Friends Desk in the Front Hall of Burlington House, there are two rooms that Friends of the RA have access to. The Sir Hugh Casson room and the adjoining Belle Shenkman room offer hot beverages and light snacks alongside changing exhibitions of works by Royal Academicians, with many of the works for sale.
Please note: On occasion the Sir Hugh Casson and Belle Shenkman rooms may close early, we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

What are the Friends events?
The RA offers a wide range of events and activities that accompany each exhibition – details can be found in RA Magazine and on the RA website: www.royalacademy.org.uk/friends . The events are extremely popular and you are advised to book early. A booking form is included in RA Magazine and can also be downloaded from the Events and Excursions page on the website.
Please note: Friends Events are not included within the price of Friends membership.

How do I renew my Friends Membership?
If you pay by Direct Debit you will automatically receive a new card approximately ten days before your account is due to be debited. Otherwise we will write to remind you when it is time to renew.

What is Gift Aid?
Gift Aid is a government initiative stabled to help charities like the RA to increase their income. We can increase the value of your support by claiming Gift Aid on your membership. All UK taxpayers are eligible - and if every Friend signed up the RA would receive an additional £1 million a year.
Please note: We cannot claim Gift Aid on gift membership.

For further information on Gift Aid contact the Gift Aid Administrator by phone on 020 7300 5816 or email giftaid@royalacademy.org.uk

How can I access the RA Library?
Friends can access the Library by appointment, free of charge. To make an appointment or for more information please call 020 7300 5737 (closed Monday) or email library@royalacademy.org.uk or visit the RA Library & Collections online .

When is the RA open?
The RA is open daily from 10am – 6pm and opens until 10pm on Fridays. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

Can I bring luggage?
We regret that we cannot accept suitcases, holdalls or backpacks in the cloakroom or in the galleries. Items may be subject to search. Bags must be no larger than 280mm width by 380mm height and 400mm depth.

The Direct Debit Guarantee
This Guarantee is offered by all Banks and Building Societies that take part in the Direct Debit scheme. The efficiency and security of the scheme is monitored and protected by your own Bank or Building Society. If the amounts to be paid or the payment dates change, Royal Academy of Arts will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If an error is made by Royal Academy of Arts or your Bank or Building Society, you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your branch of the amount paid. You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by writing to your Bank or Building Society. Please also send a copy of letter to us.

Contact us
By phone: 020 7300 5664
By email: friend.enquiries@royalacademy.org.uk
In person: Visit the Friends Desk
Online: www.royalacademy.org.uk/friends

Friends of the RA
Royal Academy of Arts
Burlington House
Piccadilly
London
W1J OBD

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Friends of the Royal Academy is a Registered Charity with Charity Number 272926. Friends of the Royal Academy is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with the Company Number 01291535. The Royal Academy of Arts is a Registered Charity with Charity Number 1125383. The Royal Academy Trust is a Registered Charity with Charity Number 1067270.