Plan your visit | Royal Academy of Arts

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 and where to find us.

  • Visiting the RA

    • Young people in the Collection Gallery at the RA

      Exhibitions and free displays

      The RA is home to a world-class exhibition programme as well as free displays of art and architecture.

      For the best experience, visitors and Friends are recommended to book a ticket to exhibitions.

      You don’t need a ticket to visit our free collections, free displays, shops or cafés.

      Mon: closed

      Tues–Sun: 10am–6pm

      Fri: 10am–9pm

      Last entry to the galleries is half an hour before closing time.

    • James Harris, The RA Cafe

      Cafés, restaurants and bars

      Enjoy barista-style coffee, cold drinks and light snacks from the Poster Bar by José and Courtyard Café.

      Feeling Hungry? Experience the taste of Spain at Spanish chef José Pizarro’s newest restaurant, located in the Senate Room at Burlington Gardens.

      For a post-exhibition cocktail visit the Shenkman Bar, now open until 9pm on Thursday and Friday evenings.

    • Young people shopping at the RA

      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.

    • 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

    • 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
  • Getting here

    • 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 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.

    • Cycling

      Bike racks are 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.


    • Visit the RA online

      For those who can’t 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