Current exhibition
Premiums: Interim Projects 2018
28 March — 29 April 2018
Premiums is a testing ground for new work by artists halfway through their postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy Schools.
How to read it: Frank Bowling's Wintergreens
Vast and dense, Frank Bowling’s monumental Wintergreens is one of the modern masterpieces in the RA collection. It is currently on display in ‘Mappa Mundi’, a large retrospective of his work at the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
I Want My Time With You
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of St Pancras International and the 250th anniversary of the RA, Tracey Emin RA presents a free public installation suspended from the station’s Victorian glass roof.
10 art shows to see in April
Take a trip through the major artistic movements of the past 100 years in this month’s top picks, from turn-of-the-century Impressionism and Glasgow Style to contemporary photojournalism and abstract painting.
Top picks from the Collection: Emma Stibbon RA
When painter and printmaker Emma Stibbon heard that she’d been elected an RA five years ago, she was in the middle of the Antarctic Ocean on an artist placement. Here, the intrepid artist picks out her favourite works from the Collection, featuring early photography, postwar painting and fantastical etching.
Listen
Portraits: Tacita Dean in conversation with Tim Marlow
Listen to Royal Academician Tacita Dean discuss her 16mm film, ‘Portraits’, currently on display at the National Portrait Gallery. Observing David Hockney smoking in his Los Angeles studio, it was filmed shortly before Hockney's 2016 exhibition of portraits at the RA.
Coming soon
Tacita Dean: LANDSCAPE
19 May – 12 August 2018
In the newly opened Gabrielle Jungels-Winkler Galleries, the internationally renowned visual artist and Royal Academician will explore “landscape” in its broadest sense
Become a Friend
There's never been a better time to become a Friend of the Royal Academy. Join us in our 250th anniversary year to enjoy the very best of the New RA's expanded campus and artistic programme, and help us to continue our work as an independent home for art, education and debate.
The RA Collection in 250 objects: Tales of the unexpected
To celebrate our 250th birthday this year, we’re highlighting 250 beautiful, odd and inspiring objects from the RA Collection across 25 themes. In this edition, curator Annette Wickham talks us through some of the more surprising objects you’ll stumble across down in the depths of the Collection, from a lock of Napoleon’s hair to a rather fancy tea set…
Free student ticket offer
“We need to talk about Charles I’s pet dwarf”
With a portrait of “The Queen’s Dwarf” on display at the RA, Tom Shakespeare argues we need to look beyond the painting’s spectacle to consider the person it’s depicting – and the uncomfortable truths it still carries today.
Take a look inside Turner's House
Sandycombe Lodge in Twickenham, designed and built by J.M.W. Turner, reopened last year after a major restoration project. Take a look inside in this clip from a new documentary by Jonathan Crane.
Coming soon: The New RA
On 19 May 2018, we'll unveil a transformed cultural campus with new free displays for art and architecture. Here's what to expect.
Festival of Ideas
Be part of the most thought-provoking conversations in London this September, as the RA hosts a meeting of great minds in art, architecture, literature, design, film and music, for ten days of electric debate and discussion.
Executive MA in Cultural Leadership
In our 250th year, we’re launching our first ever Executive Master in Cultural Leadership, in partnership with the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands. This unique course is aimed at those who are looking to develop their business and leadership skills, as well as those who want to enrich their understanding of how culture and creativity can inform and rejuvenate their practice.
RA250 limited-edition memberships
All the usual benefits of being a member of the RA, plus exclusive extras to celebrate our 250th birthday.
Buy works by Chris Orr RA
Unique works on paper by Chris Orr RA from his new display, The Miserable Lives of Fabulous Artists, are available to buy through Art Sales, and are currently on display in our Keeper's House.
#LifeDrawingLive
Missed our first ever livestreamed life class? You can catch up with the full video right here, following our expert model Andrew's poses and Jonathan Yeo's tips as they happened on the night.
Current exhibition
Basil Beattie RA: A Passage of Time
23 February — 23 April 2018
This solo display of works on paper presents pieces ranging from some of Senior Academician Basil Beattie’s earliest prints, to vibrant new drawings.
RA250 UK
Our 250th anniversary celebrations aren't limited to London. Arts institutions across the country are joining us to take a look back at our history and celebrate the artists and architects who have shaped the RA – and many other galleries and museums in the UK. Discover the RA where you are.
Submit your short story
The fourth annual RA & Pin Drop Short Story Award is now accepting submissions – send in your short stories for your chance to win £500 and hear your work read at the RA by a leading actor.
Make Your Mark on A New Royal Academy of Arts
As the RA approaches its 250th anniversary, we're transforming our building to open up new spaces for exhibitions, learning and debate. Make Your Mark on A New Royal Academy of Arts by naming a statue, adopting a work or simply making a donation.
A picture says a thousand words
Start exploring our Collection with an image, and continue through moods, mediums, colours or styles. Or, be inspired by an artist’s favourites in one of our online audio tours.
Missed a talk at the RA?
Catch up on events at the RA with these audio recordings.
Visit our new shop
Our online shop has a fresh new look for Spring, so enjoy discovering our wonderful ranges inspired by Royal Academicians, from David Hockney and Grayson Perry to Yinka Shonibare and Ai Weiwei.
Shop prints, canvases and framed reproductions from our collection
Browse more than 600 images to find the perfect work for your own walls, or a gift for a friend.
Become part of our private members' room
Expect artworks by Royal Academicians on display, an exceptional food menu and an exciting programme of events, including our Friday night DJ sessions.