The Academicians’ Room
The Academicians’ Room
Join the Royal Academy’s private members’ club for artists and art-lovers.
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We’re open – and we can’t wait to welcome you back! Find out more about our upcoming exhibitions.
The Academicians’ Room is a special place. Tucked away on the first floor of the Keeper’s House, you’ll find a vibrant and relaxed haven where members can meet, share drinks, conversation and food – in the company of artists and art-lovers.
The RA is committed to supporting artists and architects of every generation. A membership to the Academicians’ Room helps us achieve our charitable aims, while offering you exclusive access to the club room, and unparalleled access to the Royal Academy’s world-class programme of exhibitions.
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![2017 Summer Exhibition]()
Visiting our exhibitions
Members of the Academicians’ Room must pre-book their ticket online.
Due to social distancing, only a limited number of people are allowed into our galleries, so it’s essential that all visitors book a ticket online or via our box office before visiting. Simply login using the email address associated with your membership to find and book tickets for you and your guest. Find out what’s on.
Please note: members of the Academicians’ Room receive priority access to all exhibitions, but due to social distancing, capacity in our galleries is greatly reduced and sadly we can’t guarantee access if time slots are fully booked. Members are encouraged to book into their exclusive VIP morning viewings that take place every Friday from 8am-10am.
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![Work by Nigel Hall RA in the Academicians Room]()
Visiting the club room
Members of the Academicians’ Room must book a table before visiting the club room which can be booked for up to 6 people. Bookings must be made in advance, no later than one day before your visit and for same day bookings please call or visit the Membership Desk. Walk-in bookings will be accepted subject to availability. Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the new opening hours of the club room will be Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm until further notice.
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Our exhibitions
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![David Hockney , No. 147 (detail)]()
David Hockney: The Arrival of Spring, Normandy, 2020
23 May — 26 September 2021
Made in the spring of 2020, during a period of intense activity at his home in Normandy, David Hockney: The Arrival of Spring, Normandy, 2020 charts the unfolding of spring, from beginning to end, and is a joyous celebration of the seasons.Academicians’ Room access has been prioritised but it is not guaranteed if time slots are already fully booked.
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![Michael Armitage , The Chicken Thief (detail)]()
Michael Armitage: Paradise Edict
22 May – 19 September 2021
An exciting new force in painting, Michael Armitage draws from Titian, Goya, Manet and Gauguin to explore East African culture and folklore.
Academicians’ Room access has been prioritised but it is not guaranteed if time slots are already fully booked.
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![2017 Summer Exhibition]()
Summer Exhibition
22 September 2021 – 2 January 2022
Run without interruption since 1769 – yes, even in 2020 – the Summer Exhibition is the world’s largest open submission art show. It brings together art in all mediums, from prints, paintings, film and photography to sculpture, architectural works and more by leading artists, Royal Academicians and household names as well as new and emerging talent.
Academicians’ Room access has been prioritised but it is not guaranteed if time slots are already fully booked.
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Become a member of the Academicians’ Room
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![El Anatsui Hon RA works in the Academicians' Room]()
Your membership entitles you to...
• Exclusive access to the clubroom for you (+ 5 guests) • Priority access to all exhibitions • Unlimited entry to exhibitions • Member breakfasts and extended exhibition access • Preview access to exhibitions + VIP morning views • A subscription to RA Magazine; four issues a year
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![El Anatsui Hon RA works in the Academicians' Room]()
Become a member
Annual club membership is £450 with a £275 joining fee (inclusive of VAT).
Under 35? You can join as a young member for just £250 with a £175 joining fee (inclusive of VAT).
If you would like to join or renew your membership, please fill in the membership application form below or call the membership team on 020 7300 5920.
Members must be connected to the arts; by practising, working or supporting the visual, fine and applied or performing arts, architecture or creative industries. All memberships must be approved by the Nominations Committee.
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![El Anatsui Hon RA works in the Academicians' Room]()
Give membership as a gift
Give the gift of membership of an exclusive private members club in the heart of Mayfair, the perfect gift for all art lovers. Every membership helps to support the future of the RA, thank you.
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![Detail of Frank Bowling Pink over Yellow display]()
Frank Bowling OBE RA: ‘Flow Pink over Yellow’
Now on display
We’ve adorned the walls of the Academicians’ Room with paintings by Frank Bowling OBE RA.
What is so spectacular about these works – and all of Frank’s art – is the sense of experimental process. The intimate space of the Royal Academicians Room offers a chance to get close to these works, enjoy and examine them, see stitches and sparkles.
All the works on display are from the last decade and demonstrate Bowling’s lightness of touch and sense of fun. We loved the intentional playfulness, and the way the flow and stripes on the canvas contrast with the vertical pattern in the room.
Watch out for Pablo’s Dancer II, where poured paint cascades over digitally printed stripes. Frederik Bowling, the artist’s grandson who works closely with him in his studio, says that “Frank has always been interested in new technologies, and the printed canvas was a marvel, as it allows for incredible colours and wild patterns.”
“His use of pink is so extraordinary,” comments Frederik. “You can see it in this work, and throughout the show, where pink sits on top of a striking colour, amplifying and accentuating the pours and splashes within the work.”
To find out more about purchasing a painting, or to book a viewing click here.
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Contact us
To contact the Membership Team, please call on 0207 300 8090 or email academiciansroom@raarts.org.uk. Please note the phone lines are open Monday – Saturday, 10am to 5pm. The RA is operating with reduced staff during this period so our response times may be a little longer than normal.