FAQs
How much do I pay to see the exhibitions as a Friend?
Absolutely nothing. You go straight to the entrance of the exhibition and show your membership card.
May I give my card to someone else?
The membership card may only be used by the named cardholder. If you hold Joint membership you will have received a second card for the person nominated. Each membership card admits the cardholder, one adult guest and up to four family children.
Giuseppe Cades (1750-1799), Adam and Eve Oil on canvas 482 X 380 mm
May I bring a guest?
Yes. You may invite one adult guest and up to four family children aged under 16 to accompany you for free. In addition to your basic membership, each Friend is entitled to buy one extra guest pass, available at the Friends Desk for £9. This entitles you to bring an additional adult guest each time you visit.
What should I do if I lose or forget my membership card?
Please contact the Friends Office on 020 7300 5664 (9.30am-5.30pm Monday to Sunday) or e-mail friend.enquiries@royalacademy.org.uk
. Alternatively, visit the Friends Desk in the Royal Academy where we can arrange for a duplicate be sent to you. We can issue a day pass at anytime at the Friends Desk if you have forgotten your card, or you are waiting for your duplicate card, and want to see and exhibition.
How do I hear about forthcoming exhibitions?
Dates and details are given in RA Magazine, sent in March, June, September and November each year, and on this website. If you move, please make sure we have your new address so that your copy arrives on time. Email us at friend.enquiries@royalacademy.org.uk
remembering to quote your Membership number.
How do I renew my membership?
If you pay by Direct Debit or continuous credit card authority you will automatically receive a new card some ten days before your account is due to be debited. Otherwise we will write to remind you when it is time to renew.
What and where is the Sir Hugh Casson Room for Friends?
There are two rooms for Friends in Burlington House, adjacent to the Friends Desk in the Front Hall. The Sir Hugh Casson Room for Friends of the Royal Academy offers light snacks, including sandwiches and cakes, in addition to hot and cold drinks, and also hosts changing exhibitions of works by Royal Academicians, with many of the works for sale. The adjoining Belle Shenkman Room offers waiter service light lunches freshly prepared using seasonal ingredients. Bookings is recommended on 020 7300 5608.
Do I receive and invitation to previews?
Preview dates are listed on this website, and on the Exhibition Diary page in RA Magazine, which is also downloadable from www.ramagazine.org.uk. You can attend previews accompanied by one adult guest and up to four family children. To gain entry, simply show your membership card. Please note this exception: for Summer Exhibition previews you will receive a printed invitation for a specific date.
Are there Friends Events?
A wide range of events and activities accompanies each exhibition – details are given in RA Magazine and on this website. The events are extremely popular and you are advised to apply early. A booking form is included in RA Magazine and can also be downloaded from the Events and Excursions page on this website.
Is my subscription tax-effective?
Yes. Your membership is eligible for Gift Aid. This allows the Friends of the Royal Academy, with your consent, to claim basic rate tax relief, increasing the value of your contribution without costing you anything. If you are a higher rate taxpayer, you can claim higher rate tax relief on your membership in your Self Assessment tax return.
Contact details for further information
Telephone 020 7300 5664
Email friend.enquiries@royalacademy.org.uk
