RA250: Behind the scenes – last-chance hard hat tour
Friday 30 June - Wednesday 30 August 2017
Burlington House and Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts
£250. Includes tour and refreshments. Tours can be booked at a time that is mutually convenient.
Friends of the RA book first
The Royal Academy of Arts is currently undergoing one of the biggest physical changes in its 249-year history. We’ll take you on a full site tour and show you how the building work is unfolding ahead of time – the public won’t see the results until 2018.
We are currently undergoing one of the biggest physical changes in our history. Step behind the scenes for a glimpse at the work-in-progress on one of our last open-access building tours – all in support of the RA’s future.
In preparation for our 250th anniversary next year, our ambitious redevelopment plans, designed by internationally-acclaimed architect David Chipperfield RA, will unite our two buildings and open up the RA like never before – with expanded exhibition spaces, a brand new Lecture Theatre and more.
Experience the RA from a unique perspective on one of our special RA250 hard hat tours – part of our series of events supporting our Make Your Mark campaign. Explore the Victorian undercroft of Burlington House, the new bridge that will link our two buildings and the breath-taking new Lecture Theatre and Collections Gallery in Burlington Gardens. After the tour, join us in the Academicians’ Room for a complimentary drink.
Enjoy this exclusive access while you still can. From September, we’ll close our doors to further tours while we put the finishing touches on the building ahead of the grand public opening in 2018.
Booking information
Tours last approximately one hour and can be arranged at a time that is mutually convenient. You will be contacted within 48 hours of booking to confirm your time. Booking is essential and all participants on the tour will need to purchase a ticket.
Please note: this tour involves standing with minimal access to seating. Due to the historic nature of the buildings, not all areas of the tour will be accessible for wheelchair users. If you are interested in attending and have access or mobility requirements, please contact the Ticketing Team on 020 7300 8090 for further advice and information.
This event is part of a special series of RA250 events, supporting our fundraising campaign Make Your Mark. By purchasing a ticket, you are helping to secure our future. Thank you!
We’re transforming the Royal Academy in time for our 250th birthday in 2018.
Alongside an expanded programme of world-class exhibitions, our building redevelopment will reveal the elements that make the RA unique - our historic Collection, the work of the artists and architects who run the RA, and the art school at the heart of our campus. The development will ensure we can continue to meet our founding principles: to present a broad range of art to the widest possible audience; to stimulate artistic debate, understanding and creation; and offer free education to the next generation of leading artists.
Please join us in making this ambitious project possible through a range of unique experiences and support opportunities from the Royal Academy.