Friends membership
Friends membership
Join the RA as a Friend to enjoy free and prioritised access to all exhibitions, preview days, our members' lounge and much more.
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For the best experience, book ahead.
Friends access is always prioritised – but you may need to wait if our galleries are full. Save time on arrival and ensure entry at your preferred time by booking ahead.
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Become a Friend
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See these and more incredible shows for free
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More reasons to join the RA
★ Enjoy priority access and preview days for all exhibitions.
★Bring a family member and up to four children under 16 to all exhibitions.
★ Relax in the Friends Lounge – located in the Keeper’s House where tea, filter coffee, drinks and snacks will be available.
★ Delve deeper with RA magazine four times a year.
★ Receive regular e-newsletters with first access to online exhibition tours, in-depth documentaries and creative activities.
★ Treat yourself at the RA Shop with 10% off instore and online.**Some exclusions apply, see terms and conditions.
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By becoming a Friend of the RA, you’ll not only gain unlimited access to art online and in person, but crucially you’ll help ensure that the Royal Academy of Arts is here for you — and everyone — long into the future.
Like so many other arts organisations, we have been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis. However, unlike most of our peers, we do not receive revenue funding from the Government. We’re run by artists and funded by art-lovers and are incredibly fortunate to have a loyal community of Friends who have been our lifeblood during this time. In the face of all this uncertainty we’re relying on our supporters more than ever.
Your support will allow us to continue our work – from developing the next generation of practising artists in the RA Schools, to researching and caring for our Collection, and realising our world-class programme of exhibitions. Thank you.
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Varnishing Day: A Moment in Time
Made exclusively for the Friends of the Royal Academy, Varnishing Day: A Moment in Time features the work of 100 Royal Academicians.
Conceived by Hughie O’Donoghue RA and David Mach RA, with the assistance of Ian Ritchie RA, this beautiful portfolio includes work from some of the heavyweights in British art – Tracey Emin RA, Grayson Perry RA, Yinka Shonibare RA and Farshid Moussavi RA.
The Portfolio is available exclusively to Friends and the only way to access it is by joining as a Friend of the RA.
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Give them a gift, and help the RA
All our gift memberships come in a beautiful, limited edition gift box designed by Vanessa Jackson RA.
Each pack has everything you’ll need to get started, including a welcome card with space to personalise your message, a membership card, welcome brochure explaining all the benefits, a handy what’s on guide for Friends and a limited edition postcard. Every membership supports the RA, thank you.
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Got a question about Friends of the RA membership?
Read our frequently asked questions or drop us a line:
Email friends@royalacademy.org.uk
Phone 020 7300 8090
The Membership Office phone lines are open Monday to Sunday, between 10am – 5pm. The RA is operating with reduced staff during this period so our response times may be a little longer than normal.
Please note, packs can take up to 14 days to deliver. There may be delays and disruptions to delivery services that fall outside of our control. For any questions about your order, contact the Friends team.