About the RA

For over 250 years, the RA has existed to champion art and artists. Enjoy our expanded campus with free displays, new spots to eat, drink and shop, and much more.

We're run by the Royal Academicians, artists and architects elected by their peers in recognition of their exceptional work. We're home to Britain's longest established art school, the RA Schools. Every year since 1768 we've held an annual Summer Exhibition, the largest open-submission art exhibition in the world. We present our collection of art and architecture in free displays throughout our home on Piccadilly. And we put on world-class exhibitions of art from around the world, welcoming hundreds of thousands of people to our galleries each year.

Video: the story of the RA

Find out more about our story with a short video introduction to the Royal Academy of Arts from 1768 to today.

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Cornelia Parker RA at work on 'Magna Carta (An Embroidery)', 2015 — Photo: Joseph Turp

Who we are

We are an Academy

We have a lot in common with museums and other galleries, but as an Academy, we have a broader role – to promote not just the appreciation and understanding of art, but also its practice.

We are led by artists

Just as our founders intended, we are still led by many of the greatest artists and architects of the day. Each Royal Academician must be a practising artist, elected by their peers in recognition of their work. Our Academicians represent many different perspectives, but we all share a deep commitment to art and a strong belief in the contribution that artists make to the world.

We are an independent charity

Unlike most of our peers, we don't receive revenue funding from the government and so we are reliant upon the support of visitors, donors, sponsors, and the loyal Friends of the Royal Academy to continue our work.

Michael Landy RA leading a life-drawing workshop for A-level students — Photo: Roy Matthews

What we do

We host exhibitions and events all year round

From ancient sculpture to modern-day masterpieces, we are the original home of the blockbuster exhibition. We stage an annual Summer Exhibition, the world's largest open-submission exhibition. Our events programme opens up the worlds of our exhibitions and helps introduce new audiences to our art and artists.

We have a school of contemporary fine art

We are home to Britain’s longest-established art school, the RA Schools. Our three-year postgraduate course is one of the most competitive in the country, and we're proud to offer free tuition to all who study here.

We're proud custodians of artistic treasures

All Royal Academicians donate one of their artworks to our Collection when elected, creating a treasure trove of British art. You can explore our Collection online, or visit our galleries to see some of it on display.

Johann Zoffany RA, The Academicians of the Royal Academy

A brief history of the RA

The RA was founded in 1768 by a group of 40 artists and architects who became the first Royal Academicians. The first president was Sir Joshua Reynolds, whose statue now stands outside Burlington House.

Over the past 250 years, we've moved house several times, elected hundreds of new RAs and even survived the Blitz – all while continuing to stage an annual Summer Exhibition, elect new members and champion art and architecture in all its forms. Read our exceptional story here.

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Young people in the Collection Gallery at the RA

Our Strategy 2023–2028

Our ambition over the next five years is to deliver a financially sound, culturally and educationally renowned and environmentally sustainable RA.

Download the Royal Academy of Arts Strategy 2023–2028.

A family studio at the RA — Photo by Roy Matthews

Our community

We welcome thousands of different people to our home on Piccadilly every year. We're fortunate to have so many loyal Patrons and Friends, whose support is absolutely crucial to our survival as an independent charity. We also house a private members' club, the Academicians' Room, which hosts parties, film screenings and interviews.

Throughout the year we run events for teachers and students, introducing young people to new artists, artistic processes and architectural ideas. Our communities programme supports adults facing barriers to accessing the arts through tailored workshops, talks and events. We invite families to join us at workshops and talks specially designed for younger visitors.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the RA

We are committed to being a truly inclusive place. Find out what we are doing to prioritise equity, diversity and inclusion across the RA, including updates on our commitment to race equity and inclusion, and information about our decolonial research project.

Find out more about equity, diversity and inclusion at the RA