Friends of the Royal Academy FAQ
Some frequently asked questions:
- How do I become a Friend of the Royal Academy?
- What are the Royal Academy's opening times?
- How much do I pay to see the exhibitions as a Friend?
- Do I need to book?
- May I give my card to someone else?
- May I bring a guest?
- What should I do if I lose or forget my membership card?
- How do I hear about forthcoming exhibitions?
- How do I renew my membership?
- What and where is the Sir Hugh Casson Room for Friends?
- Do I receive an invitation to previews?
- Are there Friends Events?
- Is my subscription tax-effective?
How do I become a Friend of the Royal Academy?
Become a Friend of the Royal Academy and see every exhibition for free for a year and much more by:
Joining online;
Calling us on 020 7300 5664; Or simply fill in
this form (38 KB)
and bring it to the Friends Desk in the RA or post it to: Friends of the RA, Royal Academy of Arts, Freepost 33 WD1057, Piccadilly, London, W1E 6YZ
What are the Royal Academy's opening times?
10am - 6pm Sunday to Monday (last admission to galleries 5.30pm)
10am - 10pm Friday and Saturday (last admission to galleries 9.30pm)
Please note due to high demand during 'David Hockney RA: A Bigger Picture' from Friday 10 February we will be extending our opening times to:
10am – midnight on Fridays (last admission to galleries 11.30pm)
9am – midnight on Saturdays (last admission to galleries 11.30pm)
Whilst visiting see highlights of our permanent collection by taking a tour of the John Madejski Fine Rooms.
Tours are free and last for an hour. No booking is required. Meet in the Foyer at:
Tuesday 1pm
Wednesday 1pm and 3pm
Thursday 1pm and 3pm
Friday 1pm and 3pm
Saturday 11.30am
How much do I pay to see the exhibitions as a Friend?
Entrance to all exhibitions is free for you, one family adult guest and up to four family children aged under 16.
Do I need to book?
Some exhibitions are subject to timed entry to alleviate crowding within the galleries and enhance your experience. Friends are notified of this through the RA Magazine, on the Friends website and through the Friends e-newsletter. To book for 'David Hockney RA: A Bigger Picture' you can call 0844 209 0051 or book here.
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, a family adult guest and up to four family children.
May I bring a guest?
Yes. You may invite one family 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 £15. 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 to be sent to you. 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 duplicate card and want to see an 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 Foyer. 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.
Work has now begun to improve the facilities for Friends with the Keeper’s House development find out more by visiting the Keeper’s House Lounge and Exhibition during 'David Hockney RA: A Bigger Picture'. Open daily between 11am and 4pm and serving a selection of tea and cakes.
Do I receive an invitation to previews?
Preview dates and details are listed in the RA magazine which is sent to Friends in March, May, September and November each year and on the Friends website. For the Summer Exhibition you will receive a Friends Preview invitation for a specific date.
There are also extended Friends opening hours when Friends can attend exhibitions when the RA is closed to the public. Details can be found in the RA magazine and on the Friends micro site.
For 'David Hockney RA: A Bigger Picture' we have introduced Friends Fridays – Friends can come every Friday between 9am and 10am without booking.
Are there Friends Events?
A wide range of events and activities accompanies each exhibition – details are given in the RA Magazine and on this website. The events are extremely popular and you are advised to apply early. A booking form is included in the 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
Visit the Friends of the Royal Academy microsite
