The New RA
In 2018, we celebrated our 250th anniversary by unveiling our newly expanded campus, with more space to make, debate and exhibit art than ever before. Now, Sir David Chipperfield RA will turn his attention to renewing and restoring the historic RA Schools.
The changes make what was already one of the capital‛s most-loved galleries soar right up ‘must-visit’ list.
The Evening Standard
What changed in 2018...
Opened in 2018, the Gabrielle Jungels-Winkler Galleries host major exhibitions with a focus on living artists and architects. Our first exhibition in this brand-new space was by internationally renowned visual artist, Tacita Dean, and focused on landscape. It was followed by a celebration of the remarkable architect Renzo Piano. More exhibitions by contemporary artists and architects are scheduled for 2019 and 2020.
Treasures from our historic Collection went on display for the first time in 2018, free of charge, all across our site. In a new gallery you’ll find works by artists including Michelangelo, Constable and Gainsborough, along with a spectacular 16th-century copy of The Last Supper. Crossing through the Vaults, you’ll pass casts of ancient Greek and Roman statues, while another display presents highlights from our sculpture collection.
The display of the RA Collection has been curated by Royal Academicians and designed by renowned museographer Adrien Gardère.
The RA250 building project, designed by acclaimed architect Sir David Chipperfield RA and unveiled in 2018, linked our two sites at Burlington House and Burlington Gardens for the the first time, creating one unified cultural campus. Inside, you'll find free galleries dedicated to experimental architectural interventions, with displays around the building that showcase work by contemporary architects, RAs and historic casts from our Collection.
In the Benjamin West Lecture Theatre, we've built on the RA’s tradition of hosting debates and discussions by inviting celebrated thinkers from across the arts to come and share their ideas and opinions. In the Clore Learning Centre, we’re exploring the practice and the theory of art through both expert-led courses and creative workshops for families, schools and community groups.
For as long as there's been a Royal Academy of Arts, there's been an RA Schools – soon to embark on its own expansion by Sir David Chipperfield RA.
Artists on our free three-year postgraduate course work in studios just beyond our galleries, but they've typically been off-limits to visitors. Now, students at the RA Schools have their own public project space, the Weston Studio. Throughout the year, individuals and groups from the Schools at various stages of their training will take over the space, using it as a testing ground for innovative works and thought-provoking installations.
We brought you more space to relax and unwind in 2018, with two new café spaces in Burlington Gardens. Pick up an espresso from the Poster Bar before setting off for an exhibition, or head to the elegant Senate Room dining room and bar for afternoon tea or a few post-show drinks. We've also added a Newsstand, where you can pick up art magazines, stationery and more, and a new personal shopping service.
RA Schools renewal
The Future Academy
Following the RA’s successful redevelopment in 2018, architect David Chipperfield RA will turn his attention to the RA Schools.
David Chipperfield’s vital redevelopment plans will reveal the best aspects of the RA Schools' original design and renew the campus with new facilities and contemporary spaces. The project includes restoration of all the historic spaces, including the Life Drawing Room, alongside a new suite of workshops for traditional, contemporary and future technologies. There will be a new entrance, project and 'crit' studios, a new RA Schools Library, canteen and bar, and improved access to the RA Schools.
The new RA in 90 seconds
Take a quick look around our new spaces.
A video tour of our new spaces
Catch up with our Artistic Director Tim Marlow for a behind-the-scenes tour, filmed live as we put the finishing touches to the new RA in the days before our grand opening. Follow the tour and let us know what you think of #TheNewRA!
As a whole it is one of the century’s finest restorations.
The Times
The story of the Royal Academy of Arts
Find out about the history of the Royal Academy, and learn about our exciting plans for our 250th anniversary in 2018.
RA250 memberships
To celebrate our 250th birthday in 2018, we are offering limited edition memberships – giving you the opportunity to get closer to the New Royal Academy of Arts and our expanded programme.
Thank you
The RA is run by artists and funded by art lovers. We are extremely grateful to the generous individuals supported our redevelopment, including those who wish to remain anonymous, and to all our Friends, Patrons, donors and visitors who continue to support us in everything we do.
Follow the RA250 journey
Gilbert & George’s advice to today's art students
12 October 2018
Quiz: which great British artwork are you?
18 May 2018
