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.
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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.
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Visiting the RA
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![Summer Exhibition 2020]()
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.
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![Courtyard Café]()
Cafés, restaurants and bars
Right now, not all of our spaces are open, but you can enjoy barista-style coffee, cold drinks and light snacks from the Poster Bar by José and Courtyard Café.
Feeling Hungry? Experience the taste of summer at Spanish chef José Pizarro’s newest restaurant, located in the Senate Room at Burlington Gardens.
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![RA Shop]()
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.
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![Season's greetings (2021)]()
Christmas opening hours
The RA will be closed from 6pm on 23 December until 10am on 28 December. Our phone lines will also be closed during this time.
Useful Dates at a glance
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day: 24, 25, and 26 December: closed
New Year’s Eve Friday 31 December: 10am–6pm
New Year’s Day Saturday 1 January: 12 noon–6pm
Closed Mondays
For more information go to roy.ac/visit
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During your visit
★ Your safety is our priority. Find out what we’re doing to make your visit safe and comfortable. ★ Everyone is welcome at the RA. We are committed to becoming a truly inclusive place for all those who visit, work, study and volunteer at the RA. ★ Please treat our employees, volunteers, building and art with respect. ★ Cloakroom space is very limited. We have self-service lockers and a small cloakroom facility, but ask that you please limit the number and size of bags you 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. ★ Phones should be kept on silent and should not be answered within the galleries In other areas please use only with consideration for others. ★ Food and drinks are not permitted within the galleries, and smoking and vaping are not permitted on-site.
Enjoy your visit.
![Visitors enjoying the Summer Exhibition]()
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Lift maintenance and accessibility
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.
![Visitors taking part in an InMotion event]()
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Getting here
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Find your way around the building
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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.
![The Royal Academy Collection Gallery]()
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