1. Royal Academy of Art, photo: Laura Gallant/Time Out
    Royal Academy of Art, photo: Laura Gallant/Time Out
  2. Royal Academy of Art, photo: Laura Gallant/Time Out
    Royal Academy of Art, photo: Laura Gallant/Time Out
  3. Royal Academy of Art, photo: Laura Gallant/Time Out
    Royal Academy of Art, photo: Laura Gallant/Time Out
  4. Royal Academy of Art, photo: Laura Gallant/Time Out
    Royal Academy of Art, photo: Laura Gallant/Time Out

Review

Royal Academy of Arts

4 out of 5 stars
  • Art | Galleries
  • Piccadilly
  • Recommended
Eddy Frankel
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Time Out says

What is it?

For 250 years, Britain’s first art school has been a hotbed of artistic talent. You name ’em, they were an Academician. But the RA’s also got serious pedigree when it comes to putting on big shows, like 2016’s totally incredible ‘Abstract Expressionism’ show and 2022’s magnificent Francis Bacon retrospective. These days the RA has also been extended and has a sizeable free permanent collection display. This place is just as important as it’s ever been.

Why go?

The RA’s temporary exhibitions are ultra-well researched, ambitious things, that are always worth visiting. But the annual Summer Exhibition is the real treat. It’s an open submission show that any artist - amateur or professional - can try to get their work into. It’s an amazing chance to see your neighbour Shirley’s watercolours next to a Tracey Emin. 

Don’t miss 

Down in the basement passageway that connects the two wings of the RA you’ll find some of the RA’s casts, which have been studied by art students for hundreds of years. The most impressive is the big fella himself, Glycon the Athenian, a cast of the Farnese Hercules. He’s absolutely massive, I love him, and would take him home to have him watch over me as I sleep if a) I could get him out without security noticing and b) I could get him through my door. 

When to visit

Open Tue-Sun 10am to 6pm.

Ticket info

The permanent collection is free, but most exhibitions are paid. Tickets can be purchased from the RA website

Time Out tip The ‘Poster Bar’ around the back does a passable flat white.

Details

Address
Burlington House, Piccadilly
London
W1J 0BD
Transport:
Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Price:
Some exhibitions free, ticketed exhibitions vary
Opening hours:
Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm; Fri 10am-9pm
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What’s on

The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2025

The RA’s annual showcase of all the artists you need to know about right now will return this June to brighten up the summer holidays. Now in it’s 257th year, the world’s oldest open submission exhibition (which means anyone can enter their work to be considered for inclusion) is curated by a different member of the Royal Academy each year. The artist tasked with the big job in 2025 is British-Iranian architect Farshid Moussavi. The great thing about the Summer Exhibition is that it’s open to all, and the selectors pick from thousands of entries. That means that your mate’s mum’s weird little whittled sculptures of George Michael might be shown alongside something by Antony Gormley. It’s a good opportunity to spot an art star of the future, but it also still knows how to get the big art names in. And there’s a huge amount to see. From miniature paintings to enormous canvases, architectural models to photography, the exhibition features literally hundreds of works, meaning there’s something for everyone. And hey, most of it is for sale, so you may just be able to nab a bargain.

Kerry James Marshall

Kerry James Marshall is an artist with a singular vision. He has become arguably the most important living American painter over the past few decades, with an ultra-distinctive body of work that celebrates the Black figure in an otherwise very ‘Western’ painting tradition. This big, ambitious show will be a joyful celebration of his lush, colourful approach to painting.
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