Visiting safely during coronavirus
Visiting safely during coronavirus
The Royal Academy is open and we’re so happy to see you again! The health and safety of our visitors is our first priority, so please note a few changes before you plan your visit – including advanced booking and a 4pm closing time.
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What you need to know
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Dates and opening hours
Currently, we are only open four days a week with reduced hours. Please note that only Burlington House is open.
Mon–Weds: closed
Thurs–Sun: 11am–4pm
On 5 August, the RA will extend its opening hours to a five-day week, Wednesday – Sunday, 11am–5pm.
You will be able to access the building using our Burlington House and Burlington Gardens entrances.
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What’s on and pre-booking
We have a reduced programme on offer: our current exhibition is Picasso and Paper, followed by Gauguin and the Impressionists and Léon Spilliaert, both opening in August. Find out more.
Our Courtyard Café is open and there is an edited range from the RA Shop in the Vestibule. Toilets are available too. We will reopen the Poster Bar and our Burlington Gardens shops on 5 August.Pre-booking is essential for all visitors, including Friends of the RA (free). This includes booking tickets to visit the RA for free.
To manage social distancing, we may ask you to move on if the galleries become busy.
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Safety during your visit
The health and safety of our visitors and staff is paramount. We will be following government advice on health and safety as a minimum, with additional measures and standards also in place. Among these measures will be a limited number of visitors at any one time, and asking that all visitors wear a face covering while at the RA.
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Visiting information: Bookings
You must pre-book your ticket – even if you’re a Friend
Only a limited number of people are allowed into our galleries, so it’s essential that all visitors book a ticket (free for Friends) online or via our box office before visiting. Unfortunately we’re not able to offer reciprocal tickets during this time.
Tickets will have a specific start time
Arrive in good time for your visit – and please be aware of our earlier closing time of 4pm.
Visiting time may be limited
To manage social distancing, we may ask you to move on if the galleries become busy.
A maximum of six tickets can be booked per order
These six visitors must be from a single household.
Tickets can be transferred or refunded
If you’re unable to attend, tickets can be moved to another day or refunded up to the day of attendance.
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Facilities
The Courtyard Café is open
Hot and cold drinks (including alcohol) and snacks are available as well as a dedicated catering area for Friends of the RA. From 5 August, you will be able to enjoy a takeaway coffee from the Poster Bar.
The RA Shop is partially open
An edited range from the RA Shop will be available in the Vestibule. All
Toilets are available
Our toilet facilities will be constantly cleaned and queues will be managed by a member of staff.
We are running a self-operated cloakroom
The main cloakroom is closed but there will be multiple self-service locker facilities. Space is limited and we ask that visitors try to limit the number of bags they bring.
Visitors cannot bring large bags or backpacks
Backpacks and large bags cannot be stored and are not allowed in the galleries.
Visitors are asked to queue in the courtyard
We will provide additional shade and shelter while you wait. From 5 August, you will also be able to queue in the Burlington Gardens Portico.
Additional seating will also be provided.
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Getting here
You can lock up your bike in the courtyard
Additional bike racks will be available, but please note that we can’t accept responsibility if your bike is damaged or stolen.
Access to the RA is currently via Burlington House only
Our Piccadilly entrance is the only accessible public entrance. Our Burlington Gardens entrance is currently closed, however, from 5 August, you will also be able to access the building via Burlington Gardens.
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Safety at the RA
★ Social distancing measures will apply. Please keep two metres apart from other visitors (members of the same household are allowed to walk together).
★ You’ll need to wear a face covering.
★ There will be sanitising points throughout the building.
★ We’ve implemented one-way circulation throughout the building.
★ Our toilet facilities will be constantly cleaned and queues will be managed by a member of staff.
★ We’re going cashless and ask you to pay by card (we accept debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay).Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy yourself.
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Visiting information for Friends of the RA
Friends must pre-book their ticket online
Only a limited number of people are allowed into our galleries, so it’s essential that all visitors book a ticket online or via our box office before visiting. Find out what’s on.
Friends must bring their membership cards
For safety reasons, we ask all friends to bring their membership cards when they visit.
Friends have priority access
Friends can access every exhibition for free and will always be prioritised – but we ask that you book your tickets beforehand.
Friends of the RA can bring a family member
Please note: you must book their tickets beforehand.
Friends have a dedicated members’ area
The Keeper’s House is currently closed but Friends have access to the John Madejski Fine Rooms – a gilded, 18th-century room in Burlington House where tea, filter coffee, drinks and snacks will be available.
Got a question about your membership?
Contact the Membership Office by emailing friends@royalacademy.org.uk or calling 020 7300 8090.