For over 300 years The Royal Academy of Arts has remained an independent artist and architect-run institution. The permanent collection focuses on British art and artists whose work ranges from the 18th century to present day. Notable objects in the collection of paintings and sculpture include major works by Reynolds, Turner, Constable, Millais, Leighton, Spencer and Hockney. The collections cover paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, historic books, archives, historic photographs and plaster casts.

In addition to a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions, highlights in the RA’s calendar include the annual summer show: an open exhibition that each year exhibits around 1,200 works chosen from public submission and big names from the art world as well. While the Academy building and interior is primarily rooted in tradition, the forecourt often displays installations by contemporary and more avant-garde artists than you would expect to see represented by the RA. Well located opposite Fortnum and Mason’s for a spot of afternoon tea, the Royal Academy calls for a visit to see seasonal blockbuster exhibitions in grandiose surroundings.