Venue Description

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.

Accessibility

Our galleries are fully accessible and we have a wide range of facilities and programmes for disabled visitors. Whether you’re taking part in our programme of multi-sensory workshops, enjoying an audio described tour in the galleries or just popping in for a visit, we’ll do everything we can to make sure your experience of the RA is enjoyable, comfortable and memorable. There is step-free access throughout the RA, either via ramps or lifts, and wheelchairs and portable stools are available to borrow during your visit. Large print exhibition guides can be picked up within our gallery spaces and an induction loop can be found in the Lecture Theatre. Assistance dogs are welcome and our staff and volunteers receive regular training to ensure they’re confident in welcoming disabled visitors. For blind and partially sighted visitors and mobility impaired visitors who would like one – on – one assistance, a trained volunteer escort can be provided. To book an escorted visit, contact the RA's Access Team. Please allow 2 weeks’ notice for your booking as this is a volunteer service. There are 2 parking spaces available for Blue Badge holders in the courtyard at Burlington House. Please book at least one week in advance of your visit. To book call: 020 7300 8090.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: http://royal-academy-production-asset.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/0495a631-10b8-4cfe-9d01-e718c7289c4b/RA_ACCESS%20GUIDE.pdf?_sm_au_=iVVZ5vR0jjWTFqrs

Accessible Performances

We offer a range of accessible events: InMotion: Tours for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility impairments. InTouch: Tours and art making workshops for blind and partially sighted visitors. BSL and Stagetext interpreted talks for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing visitors. InMind: discussion-based sessions focusing on artworks from the RA Collection for visitors living with dementia and Alzheimer's and their carer, family, and friends. InPractice: Events for disabled artists and people with a creative practice that face barriers to accessing the art world to present and share their practice with others. InStudio: A programme of creative workshops designed for groups working with disabled adults or adults facing barriers to engaging with arts and culture. Every year a number of sculptures in the Summer Exhibition are available to be explored by touch. They are identified by a list available online and within the Large Print Guides in the galleries. For more information about our accessible events please visit https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/access-at-the-ra

Toilets

An accessible unisex toilet is available on the ground floor at Burlington House and at Burlington Gardens.

Staff

Visitor Experience Hosts and Red Collars (Security) can be found at entrance positions and throughout the building. Mitie Guards (Invigilators) are positioned throughout exhibition spaces. Duty Managers are available for further assistance.