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Plan your visit

Plan your visit

Welcome to the Royal Academy of Arts! Find out everything you need to know about visiting the RA, including opening times, what’s on, where to find us, and how we will keep you safe during your visit.

We’re reopening our doors again on Tuesday, 18 May! Find out more about our revised exhibition schedule.

Please note that Friends and supporters will receive priority access to all exhibitions, but due to social distancing our capacity is greatly reduced, and we cannot guarantee access if time slots are fully booked.

Visiting the RA
- Pre-booking and free displays
  
  The RA is home to a world-class exhibition programme as well as free displays of art and architecture.
  
  Please note: all visitors must book a ticket to visit the RA (this includes Friends of the RA, who can visit all our exhibitions for free, with a family guest).  
  
  Mon: closed
  
  Tues–Sun: 10am–6pm 
  
  Last entry to the galleries is half an hour before closing time.
  
  What’s on
- Cafés, restaurants and bars
  
  Right now, not all of our spaces are open, but you can enjoy barista-style coffee, cold drinks, light snacks and winter warmer cocktails in the Courtyard Café as well as a takeaway service from the Poster Bar.
  
  Find out more
- Shops
  
  Our shops celebrate the RA, our Academicians, artists and exhibitions. Visit the Main Shop in Burlington House and discover an ever-changing treasure trove of books, posters, artists’ materials and exhibition ranges, or drop by Burlington Gardens where you can pick up cards, stationery, gifts and more.
  
  Please note: to visit any of our shops, please book a free ticket to our Collection Gallery which will give you access to our shops, cafés and free displays.
  
  Find out more

- During your visit
  
  ★ Your safety is our priority. Find out what we’re doing to keep you safe during coronavirus.
  ★ Please treat our employees and volunteers with respect. Staff are working hard to ensure your visit is enjoyable and safe.
  ★ The main cloakroom is closed but there are multiple self-service locker facilities. Space is limited so we ask that visitors try to limit the number of bags they bring.
  ★ Backpacks and large bags cannot be stored and are not allowed in the galleries.
  ★ We welcome photography wherever we can, but please no flash or selfie-sticks, and for non-commercial use only.
  ★ Food and drink is not permitted within the galleries; smoking and vaping are not permitted on-site.
  ★ Phones should be kept on silent and not answered within the galleries.
  
  Enjoy your visit.

- Lift maintenance and accessibility
  
  Our main lift to the David Hockney: The Arrival of Spring, Normandy, 2020 is out of order due to essential maintenance. Alternative step-free access is available via the Keepers House lift (but please note: this route will add roughly 10 – 15 minutes to your journey).
  
  For specific queries about the accessibility of our buildings, please contact:
  1. Mon – Thurs: access@royalacademy.org.uk
  2. Fri – Sun and Bank Holidays: tickets@royalacademy.org.uk or call 020 7300 8090.
  
  If you have any concerns or need extra assistance during your visit, please ask to speak to a Duty Manager when you arrive.
  
  Wheelchair users: Wheelchairs and disabled parking can be booked in advance via our ticketing team.

Getting here
- Cycling
  
  During coronavirus, we encourage any visitors to cycle if you can.
  
  Additional bike racks will be available at the RA, however, we cannot accept responsibility if your bike is damaged or stolen.
  
  There are also cycle hire stations on Sackville Street, within half a mile of the Burlington House entrance.
- By tube
  
  Our nearest stations are…
  
  Piccadilly Circus
  
  Green Park
  
  Oxford Circus
  
  Bond Street
  
  Piccadilly and Green Park are within half a mile of our Burlington House entrance, and Oxford Circus and Bond Street are within half a mile of either our Burlington Gardens entrance.
- By bus
  
  Our nearest bus stops are served by several routes…
  
  12, 88, 94, 453, N3 or N15
  
  Get off at Regent Street / St. James’s – stop Y.
  
  6,14, 19, 38, N19, N38 or N97
  
  Get off at ‘Old Bond Street (Royal Academy)’ – stop L.
  
  Plan your journey on the TfL website

Find your way around the building
- View a map of the RA

- Visit the RA online
  
  For those who will be unable to visit the RA, we’ve opened our doors virtually. Jump into the Last Supper, put a masterpiece from our Collection in your own living room or take a virtual tour of our beautiful building on Google Arts & Culture.
  
  Try it out