Open House Festival at the RA
Saturday 21 September 2024 10am - 6pm
Burlington House
Free. Book tickets via Open House Festival.
Explore unseen spaces not usually open to the public at the Open House Festival 2024, including the RA Schools and our historic Fine Rooms.
We are opening up spaces across the RA for this year’s Open House Festival.
Visit the newly renovated Julia and Hans Rausing Campus at the Royal Academy Schools, see gems from the RA Collection in our historic Fine Rooms, explore membership spaces in the Keeper’s House and enjoy a special afternoon tea, or book a limited tour of the RA Library via the Open House Festival website.
Dating originally from the 1660s, Burlington House has been our home since 1867. Over the years, it has seen impressive additions by celebrated architects such as Sydney Smirke RA, Richard Norman Shaw RA and Foster + Partners. In 2018, acclaimed architect Sir David Chipperfield RA linked our two sites at Burlington House and Burlington Gardens for the first time.
Look out for our free architectural displays around the building, including the Architecture Window in the Ronald and Rita McAulay Gallery.
The RA Schools, Fine Rooms and Keeper’s House will be open to the public throughout the day. Last entry is at 5.30pm.
Spaces on the RA Library tour are now fully booked.
Free. Book tickets via Open House Festival.
Fine Rooms
The Fine Rooms have been described as some of the finest early eighteenth-century interiors in England, with decoration designed by William Kent. Now used as private entertainment spaces, they also include changing art hangs from the RA Collection. A member of our Collections team will be hosting free, drop-in 10-minute spotlight talks throughout the day, taking place at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.
RA Library tours
Join us for a tour led by Head of Library Adam Waterton, who will delve into the architectural history of Burlington House, from 1660s Neo-Palladian mansion owned by the Earls of Burlington to a home for art and ideas.
We are running two, bookable guided tours at 11am and 1pm. They can be booked through the Open House Festival website.
Spaces on the RA Library tour are now fully booked.
RA Schools
A key part of the Royal Academy since its foundation in 1768, the RA Schools is the longest established school of fine art in the UK. This year, celebrate the RA Schools reopening after a restoration project to preserve the historic spaces. Explore the newly unveiled RA Schools library, wander through the historic Cast Corridor, and discover the Life Room where generations of students mastered life drawing. A member of the RA Schools team will be hosting free, drop-in 10-minute spotlight talks throughout the day, taking place at 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
Keeper's House
The Keeper’s House has been a home for artists and art lovers for over 150 years. Built in the 1870s as the central London residence for the Keeper of the Royal Academy, today it is a dedicated, private space for members of the RA. Step inside the Keeper’s House to explore its hidden cocktail bar, garden oasis, all-day café and exclusive club room, the Academicians’ Room.
Works of art by Royal Academicians and emerging artists line the walls and you’ll have an opportunity to encounter our featured selling displays including work by Bob & Roberta Smith RA. In the evening, the band Dutch Grip takes over the Shenkman Bar with live music from 5–7pm. Walk in; no reservations.
Enjoy a special afternoon tea in our light-filled club room, the Academicians’ Room, upstairs in the Keeper's House. Featuring freshly prepared finger sandwiches, fresh scones and a delightful selection of pastries and cakes. Booking essential.