10 Reasons To Visit The Royal Academy Of Arts

Of all the museums to visit in London, the Royal Academy is arguably one of the most important. As cultural institutions in Britain go, its historic dedication to the arts is near unrivaled and still plays a dominant role in the support of emerging artists today. With the opening of its current Summer Exhibition in London, Culture Trip explores its history and significance in the current art world.

It was the first painting academy in Britain

Set up by 36 artists in 1768 with Sir Joshua Reynolds as its first president, the Royal Academy was the first established art school in Britain. Its foundation allowed a greater national appreciation of art and dictated the taste of style and design for the following centuries.

The Academicians of the Royal Academy, by Johann Zoffany, 1771-1772

It promotes upcoming artists…

The Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy 2016

… and respects traditions

The first Summer Exhibition was held in 1769 and has been taking place every year since. The show is organised and curated by a small committee of academicians like it has since the beginning. However, not only the Summer Exhibition, but the whole programme is designed by artists and former students to promote the public view of art.

The 166th Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy, 1934

It has one of the oldest permanent collections of art in Britain

The Collection began with the founding of the Academy and has expanded to more than 30,000 works of art over time. Today, the Royal Academy permanent collection includes works by British painters such as Reynolds, Turner and Constable, alongside other must-see masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Taddei Tondo.

Taddei Tondo, by Michelangelo, c.1504-1505

It is located in the heart of London’s art centre

Burlington House, located on Piccadilly in Mayfair, has been the home of the Royal Academy since 1867. The building itself dates back to 1664 but has been altered throughout time to be up to date with the latest fashion. Today, the building shows an eclectic mix of different styles, with traces of the fascinating history it has been through. The Royal Academy courtyard showcases new installations by famous artists throughout the year. With such a central location, stopping by the courtyard for a quick culture fix is a must.

Some of the most iconic British artists once studied here

Even though the Academy offers an amazing range of exhibitions, we should not forget that it was initially intended to be a school. An endless list of painters has walked through the gates of Burlington House, including Joshua Reynolds and William Blake, and contemporary artists such as Eddie Peake, Pio Abad and Adham Faramawy.

Andy Warhol, Henry Geldzahler, David Hockney and Jeff Goodman, by Dennis Hopper, 1963

The Academy takes risks… and it pays off

The Royal Academy is renowned for its innovative temporary exhibitions which allow established artists as well as former academicians to show off their talent. Past exhibitions like Anish Kapoor’s solo show are still remembered today, and future events such as the upcoming David Hockney exhibition has been touted as one of the most exciting exhibitions in London this summer.

Anish Kapoor Exhibition at Royal Academy, 2009

It unites artists and art lovers

While the Royal Academy is a perfect environment for artists to flourish, it also gives casual visitors the possibility to learn and explore more about the history of art. Art lovers have ample opportunity to get involved with the Royal Academy and can choose from a range of drawing classes, film nights and artist talks. The Summer Circus, happening in conjunction with the Summer Exhibition, will see The Courtyard overtaken by musicians, street food stalls and cocktail bars and is not to be missed.

The Academy is not afraid to show works by women

Even though it took another 168 years after Mary Moser and Angelica Kauffman flew the flag for women in 1768 before the next female academician was elected, today the Royal Academy is instrumental in championing female artists. This year, artists such as Fiona Rae and the sisters Amrit and Rabindra Singh can be found in the Summer Exhibition.

The future is bright

In 2018, the Royal Academy will be marking its 250th birthday, and the celebrations should not be missed. Redevelopments currently underway include a new 300-seat lecture theatre and expanded RA Schools. The two spaces – Burlington House on Piccadilly and 6 Burlington Gardens – will be brought together under the direction of architect David Chipperfield RA. These refurbishments and expansions will ensure that the Royal Academy continues to play a vital role in the London art scene for students and visitors alike.

Book your tickets now: The Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, UK W1J 0BD, +44 20 7300 8090

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.