Royal Academy of Arts

KD★★★★★★★★★★5.02 months ago

The building itself is remarkable—an inspiring setting for the exhibition of Rose Wylie. Her work is striking in its immediacy and honesty. At 85, Wylie continues to work actively from her studio in Kent, producing paintings that embrace a deliberately raw, almost childlike visual language. Beneath this simplicity lies a deeply reflective practice: her canvases draw on memories spanning from the Second World War to the present day, blending personal recollection with imagery sourced from films, newspapers, television, and the internet. Beyond this exhibition, the institution offers a rich journey through art history, with galleries that thoughtfully present works from the 17th century onward. Particularly compelling is the presentation of works by Royal Academy students—an exceptionally selective programme that admits only 17 postgraduate artists each year—offering insight into emerging contemporary practices. And, of course, no visit would be complete without a stop at the shop, a destination in its own right.

Angela M. Santander M.★★★★★★★★★★5.03 months ago

This is definitely one of my favorite cultural stops every time I am in Piccadilly. I spent a peaceful afternoon exploring their latest temporary exhibition and wandering through the main galleries. You can really feel the creative energy in every room, and the architecture beautifully blends tradition with modern touches. I love that it feels much more intimate and less crowded than other large London museums, making it perfect for genuine inspiration. It’s a true artistic gem that is always worth the visit, especially if you appreciate artist-led institutions.

Araz N. Imanov★★★★★★★★★★5.0a month ago

An exceptional façade where architecture and intellectual symbolism are brought into precise alignment. The building stands out not only for its classical composition—arched windows, strong cornices, and finely articulated columns—but for the way it integrates sculpture as an essential part of its identity. What makes this façade particularly compelling is the series of statues set within its structure. Figures such as Newton, Locke, Adam Smith, and Milton are not merely decorative—they form a deliberate narrative, linking art to science, philosophy, and broader cultural thought. This elevates the building beyond a traditional gallery into something more conceptually complete. The execution is meticulous. Deep-set niches, balanced proportions, and detailed stonework create a strong sense of depth and rhythm. Light interacts beautifully with the surface, revealing layers of craftsmanship that reward closer observation. Despite its richness, the composition remains controlled and coherent. Nothing feels excessive; every element contributes to a unified architectural language. A building that communicates not only through form, but through ideas—measured, confident, and intellectually grounded.

Serendipity Lovesya★★★★★★★★★★5.04 months ago

Visited RA at the weekend to see the Kerry James Marshall exhibition, The Histories. Absolutely mesmerising! The RA was the perfect location as it could accommodate all of the art - there was so much to see! Now I'm no stranger to KJM, he is one of my favourite artists but to be up close to such epic large scale paintings was mind blowing. There was 70 works to see, his largest exhibition outside of the US, and probably the first chance for many in the UK to see too. Vivid, powerful paintings that were full of references which spanned civil rights and art history. So glad I made the time to see this exhibition - very moving and memorable.

Festus Ifiti jr★★★★★★★★★★5.05 months ago

Last night I had the pleasure of going to the royal academy of arts to see the Kerry James marshall exhibition and I had such an amazing time, witnessing such pieces. I'm into renaissance art but it's good to go out of your comfort zone and see something different. I don't know much about this artist so it was nice to learn about him, his pieces and the type of art that he produces. I feel like Kerry James has a number of styles, so he is extremely versatile. I had such an amazing time here, to the exhibition but also the Royal academy of arts. The Royal Academy of Arts is a prestigious art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly. It is known for being a Palladian mansion that hosts world-class art exhibitions, including its legendary open-submission summer show.