June 18 - August 18
Royal Academy Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, UK
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is a grand annual event in the art world that has attracted art lovers from all over the world for centuries. In 2024, this prestigious exhibition will once again open its doors from June 18 to August 18 at the legendary Burlington House on Piccadilly in the heart of London. British artist and Royal Academician Anne Christopher will curate the 256th Summer Exhibition RA.
Background and Traditions
The origins of the Summer Exhibition date back to 1769 when a group of prominent artists, united in the Royal Academy, decided to organize the first public exhibition of their works. Since its inception, the Summer Exhibition has become the world's largest open-submission art event. Over the years, it has evolved into a cultural tradition, bringing together painters, sculptors, printmakers, and other creative individuals from around the globe.
Program and Highlights
The Summer Exhibition RA 2024 promises to be a truly grand event in the art world. Each Royal Academician on the Summer Exhibition committee is responsible for a specific gallery area. Committee members work on a rotational basis. Visitors will enjoy over 1,000 works created by both established masters and emerging talents. The exhibition will cover various genres and directions: from classical painting and sculpture to avant-garde installations and performances. During the eight-day exhibition in the galleries, works from around the world are democratically judged. After this, a final decision is made. The committee chair will be Rebecca Salter, President of the Royal Academy.
The theme of the 2024 Summer Exhibition RA is "Only Connect." Exhibition curator David Remfry explores this concept, drawing inspiration from E.M. Forster's phrase from "Howards End": "Only connect! That was the whole of her sermon..."
Most of the works will be available for purchase, giving viewers the opportunity to acquire unique art pieces. The money earned helps support the Royal Academy's work and the exhibiting artists, as well as the postgraduate students and other students of the RA schools.
Dates and Venue
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2024 will take place from June 18 to August 18 at the historic Burlington House, located on Piccadilly in central London. This magnificent palace, built in the early 18th century, has served as the main residence of the Royal Academy for many decades and is the perfect venue for world-class exhibitions.
Exhibition hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Fridays from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
How to Get There
You can reach Burlington House by various means of transportation. The most convenient option is to use the London Underground: the nearest stations are Green Park (Piccadilly, Victoria, and Jubilee lines) and Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines). You can also take buses running on numerous routes in the city center.
For those who prefer to travel by car, there are several paid parking lots around Burlington House. However, keep in mind that there is a congestion charge zone in central London, so using a car may not be the most budget-friendly option.
Trip Planning, Accommodation, and Dining
If you plan to visit the RA Summer Exhibition 2024, we recommend booking a hotel or apartment in advance. Burlington House is located in the prestigious West End area, which is home to numerous hotels to suit all tastes and budgets, from budget hostels to luxury five-star hotels.
For those who prefer to combine a cultural program with culinary delights, the area around Piccadilly offers a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and pubs where you can taste dishes from different cuisines of the world. Special attention should be paid to establishments specializing in traditional British cuisine, as well as numerous street food trucks and farmers' markets.
Admission
Ticket prices have not yet been announced, but previously at the RA Summer Exhibition 2022, they ranged from £20 with various discounts. Children under 16 enter for free. Tickets can be booked in advance on the royalacademy.org.uk website or by phone.
As the exhibition approaches, the Royal Academy invites artists to submit their applications on the Summer.royalacademy.org.uk website. The deadline for applications is February 13, 2024. The RA expects about 15,000 applications, of which about 1,200 works will be selected for exhibition in various formats.
Conclusion
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2024 will be a truly bright and unforgettable event for all art lovers. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of creativity and inspiration, enjoy the masterpieces of artists from around the world, and become part of a centuries-old tradition that unites people in their pursuit of beauty. Burlington House will once again open its doors to provide visitors with a unique cultural experience that will remain in their memories forever.
This exhibition will feature works by artists from around the world in a variety of genres and styles. Visitors will be able to enjoy the diversity of art and purchase their favorite pieces. The exhibition will be curated by renowned British artist and Royal Academician Anne Christopher.
The theme "Only Connect" will be the guiding thread of the exhibition, exploring ideas of connection between the spiritual and the everyday, humanity and the surrounding world. Curator David Remfry was inspired by the famous phrase from the novel "Howards End" – a call to unite various aspects of existence.
For the convenience of guests, the exhibition provides various accommodation options to suit any budget in the prestigious West End area. Food lovers can taste dishes from around the world at numerous restaurants, cafes, and farmers' markets near Burlington House.
Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of true art! The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2024 promises to be one of the main cultural events of the season in London. Book your tickets in advance so you don't miss this grand celebration of creativity and beauty.