Current exhibition
Jasper Johns: 'Something Resembling Truth'
23 September — 10 December 2017
Widely known for his iconic images of flags, targets, numbers, maps and light bulbs, Jasper Johns has occupied a central position in American art since his first solo exhibition in New York in 1958. The first comprehensive survey of the artist’s work to be held in the UK in 40 years, this exhibition comprises over 150 paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints.
Current exhibition
Matisse in the Studio
Until 12 November 2017
Step into the studio of Henri Matisse, brimming with the artist’s treasured objects. Focusing exclusively on the role of the artist’s treasured objects in his work, this exhibition reveals how this eclectic collection took on new life in his transcendent art.
Article
10 art exhibitions to see in October
From the Turner Prize shortlist to Moomins creator Tove Jansson, here are 10 must-see exhibitions opening this month.
Video
Jasper Johns in 60 seconds
Our Artistic Director Tim Marlow gives a quick introduction to Jasper Johns, one of the 20th century’s great artistic innovators, who continues to make work today.
Current exhibition
Dalí / Duchamp
7 October 2017 — 3 January 2018
Take another look at two artistic giants: father of conceptual art Marcel Duchamp, and larger-than-life Surrealist Salvador Dalí. This is the first exhibition to throw light on their surprising relationship and its influence on the work of both artists.
Quiz: who said it – Dalí, Duchamp or celeb?
Do you know your Dalí from your Duchamp? How about your Duchamp from your Donald Trump or Madonna? They may not have had Twitter to broadcast their musings, but both Dalí and Duchamp were notorious for their colourful statements… can you pick them out from these other quotable figures?
Article
The artists behind your favourite childhood books
How much do you know about the illustrators who brought your favourite childhood characters to life?
Explore one of Duchamp's most famous works, 'The Large Glass'
On Saturday 11 November, join art historian Paul B. Franklin to explore ‘The Bride Stripped Bare by her Bachelors, Even’ (also known as 'The Large Glass') – Duchamp's abstract, playfully scientific meditation on heterosexual desire, and an icon of 20th century art.
Talk: the art of the graphic music score
On Friday 10 November, hear musicians from Club Inégales combine with trumpeter and composer Kim Macari and saxophonist and composer Raymond MacDonald, for a performance and discussion exploring the world of graphic scores, improvisation and structure.
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.
Article
Four art biographies to read this autumn
Curl up indoors with a cup of tea and one of these new artist and art lover biographies – from Renoir to Peggy Guggenheim.
Article
Dalí and Duchamp: a curious camaraderie
The pair may seem like opposites, but our exhibition this autumn shows Dalí and Duchamp shared surprising artistic interests. Read curator Dawn Ades on four aspects of their enduring affinity for each other’s work.
Article
Odd couples: Artists you never knew were friends
With our exhibition exploring the little-known relationship between Dalí and Duchamp later this year, we take a look at the friendship between those two great masters of modern art, and five other artist pairs you may never have guessed.
Future exhibition
From Life
11 December 2017 – 11 March 2018
Looking to the past, present and future of one of the cornerstones of artistic process, we ask what it means to make art from life, and how the practice is evolving as technology opens up new ways of making and seeing.
RA Lates: Manhattan Studio Party
Join us on Saturday 21 October for an unforgettable night as we transform the RA into the experimental New York arts scene of the 1960s and '70s. Think loft concerts, film screenings, Happenings, artist studios, disco DJs and avant-garde art-rock in underground bars...
Article
Jasper Johns: a beginner’s guide
For those unfamiliar with the artist whose work is currently in our main galleries, here are six facts to help you delve into a fascinating career.
Future exhibition
Charles I: King and Collector
27 January – 15 April 2018
Discover the legendary art collection of Charles I. For the first time since the 17th century, this landmark exhibition will bring together the astounding treasures that changed the taste of the nation.
Article
Matisse’s studio: “an interior world of his own making”
With our Matisse in the Studio exhibition now open, Nicholas Watkins reveals the artist’s working practice – orchestrating objects and models in his French ateliers to explore colour, line and space.
5-week art history and theory course
Join international scholars and art world experts exploring the aesthetic and philosophical themes around the transience of life – charting 'memento mori' and 'vanitas' from ancient Egypt to the present day.
Article
Jasper Johns: “Take an object. Do something to it. Do something else to it.”
In this long read, art historian Barbara Rose explores the complex transformations of objects and images throughout Jasper Johns's work.
Current exhibtion
El Anatsui Hon RA: ‘Benchmarks’
Until 20 April 2018
See new limited-edition prints by El Anatsui in the Academicians’ Room, in the first of a new series of displays celebrating the work of one Royal Academician.
Article
Feminist, socialist, embroiderer: the untold story of May Morris
The pioneering artist and designer has been overshadowed by her father for over a century, but a new show at William Morris Gallery is stitching together the threads of her own remarkable career.
Future exhibitions
Introducing 2018 at the Royal Academy
Next year’s exhibitions will take us from a legendary British collection to the far seas of the South Pacific, and from centuries past to a glimpse into the future of art. Watch the RA’s Artistic Director introduce the programme for our 250th anniversary year.
Article
Building the Pompidou with Renzo Piano
As Renzo Piano celebrates his 80th birthday this year, fellow architect Richard Rogers looks back at working together on one of the 20th century’s most iconic buildings.
Article
Jean-Michel Basquiat: downtown stray to international star
Ahead of a much-awaited retrospective at the Barbican Centre, here's how the artist cracked the New York art scene and chased his wildest dreams.
Current exhibition
Etching: The Infernal Method
Until 19 February 2018
Curated by Norman Ackroyd RA, this selection of works for sale by Royal Academicians and invited artists celebrates the diversity of contemporary etching practice.
Article
Sonia Boyce: “If we can go to Mars, we can send more kids to art school”
Artist and educator Sonia Boyce is the latest to reflect on art, life and lessons learnt in our ‘As I see it’ series. She talks tuition fees, a love of Liberty and why we should all be prepared to dream of something different...
Family how-to: make a colour wheel
Inspired by Matisse's bright paintings and cut-outs, learn to mix paint like a pro with this quick colour-wheel activity.
Free student ticket offer
We're celebrating the next generation of artists and architects by inviting them to enjoy our year-round programme of exhibitions, for free!
Video
Henri Matisse in 60 seconds
Got a minute? With our Matisse in the Studio exhibition now open, the RA's Artistic Director Tim Marlow takes a closer look at the artist's life and work.
Shop like Matisse
Find a new object to treasure, with our eclectic Matisse in the Studio range. Choose from hand painted pottery, artistic accessories and kaleidoscopic glassware.
RA Editions: Allen Jones, 'Plein Air'
We’re proud to present a new limited edition woodblock print made by Allen Jones RA in celebration of our Matisse in the Studio exhibition. The green ink of Jones’ characteristically sensual figures pay homage to Matisse as they surround the void, with the print completed by a small still life.
Current exhibition
The Interpretation of Movement (a 9:8 in blue)
Terrace Wires: Conrad Shawcross RA
See sculptor and Royal Academician Conrad Shawcross's new public installation – his largest mechanical work to date – in St Pancras International station.
Video
RA250 stories: building a bridge that’s a sculpture
Behind the scenes
In 2018, our two historic sites at Burlington House and Burlington Gardens will be linked together for the first time. In this video, we look at the complex process of connecting two listed buildings, with a sculptural bridge that traces the line of an original garden path from 350 years ago.
Video
Exploring watercolour with Christopher Le Brun PRA
Think you know watercolour? Think again. Join the President of the Royal Academy in his London studio as he debunks some of the myths about this versatile medium and its possibilities.
Learn from experts and artists
Our new programme of short courses and classes offers the opportunity to explore subjects ranging from life drawing to the history of portraiture, led by expert tutors and practising artists.
Missed a talk at the RA?
From artists and experts in conversation to short stories read by leading novelists, catch up on events at the RA with these recordings.
David Hockney RA's SUMO: A Bigger Book
A "definitive visual autobiography" of David Hockney RA, spanning over six decades and 600 pages. Major paintings are accompanied by the artist’s drawings, photo-composites, multi-perspective collages, stage designs, multi-camera video works, and iPad drawings.
Visit the RA shop
Browse our range of artistic products designed and inspired by Royal Academicians, from Grayson Perry and Yinka Shonibare to David Hockney and Zaha Hadid.
Mayfair & St James's interactive gallery map
Produced by the Royal Academy of Arts in collaboration with GalleriesNow.net, this interactive map highlights the 145 art locations in this historic quarter of London, including 139 commercial galleries, four auction houses and the RA itself.
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Discover works from the RA's Collections
We're on a quest to digitise 10,000 items from the Royal Academy of Arts' vast collections. Visit our Tumblr to discover drawings, sketches, prints, books, oddities and wonders, all revealed by RA staff and a team of volunteers.
Explore our Collection
The Royal Academy Collections include paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, books, archives, photographs and plaster casts.
Free RA Tours
Discover the art, architecture and history of the RA in these special, one-hour tours which include the historic John Madejski Fine Rooms.
Inside the Academy
The RA Schools
A school of contemporary fine art, right at the heart of the RA.
Looking for an art-lover’s gift?
Order bespoke art prints, canvases and framed reproductions from our Collection online.
Join the club
The Academicians’ Room in the Keeper’s House began life in 1883, becoming the favourite haunt of the Academy’s artists as a private members club. Members can expect artworks by Royal Academicians on display, an exceptional food menu and an exciting programme of events, including our Friday night DJ sessions.
Friends of the RA
RA Art Tours Worldwide
These expert-led small group tours focus on the art, architecture and archaeology of some of the world’s most fascinating destinations.