Friends week
21–25 May 2019
We're celebrating Friends of the RA with a weeklong series of exclusive events. See a new side of the RA and meet the people who make the RA London's leading destination for art and architecture.
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We’re inviting Friends of the RA to meet the people behind the RA, to experience the RA after hours, and discover more about our 250-year-old institution, in a week of tours, talks and activities designed exclusively for Friends.
Discover everything your membership has to offer with a series of exclusive, behind-the-scenes talks from our Red Collars, art handlers and the Keeper of the RA Schools, Rebecca Salter RA. Join Royal Academicians and President of the RA, Christopher Le Brun, for a spot of afternoon tea or sample delicious wine and food pairings courtesy of Coates & Seely.
Plus, EXPRESSWAY returns to the Keeper’s House for an Americana-themed takeover in collaboration with cult film director Nicolas Winding Refn in the Academicians’ Room.
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EXPRESSWAY
Headline event
For one night only, cult film director of award-winning film Drive, and founder of byNWR, Nicolas Winding Refn, will open the doors to the Keeper’s House with an Americana-themed evening.
Nicolas will introduce the evening with a special screening followed by acoustic sets from Black Deer Festival musicians, The Academicians’ Room will be transformed into a bluegrass lounge, while DJs will take over the basement - all with a hearty dose of country and western influence.
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Friends Extended Hours: ‘The Renaissance Nude’
Due to popular demand, we have extended our opening hours on Saturday 25 May, from 6-8pm, for a special, private view of The Renaissance Nude – exclusively for Friends of the RA.
Bringing together works by artists such as Titian, Raphael, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Dürer and Cranach, the exhibition traces the development of the nude through some of the great masters of the Renaissance. From full-scale paintings to exquisite miniatures, enjoy the opportunity to explore the galleries at your leisure away from the crowds.
To ensure the best possible experience, Friends are required to book a free, timed ticket for themselves and their guest.
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The Academicians Room open week
Throughout Friends Week, Friends can experience the Academicians’ Room, a private members club for artists and art lovers located in the Keeper’s House at the Royal Academy. The club room will be open to Friends from 4pm, Tuesday 21 May to Saturday 25 May. Here you can sip from our signature cocktail list while soaking up the art-infused atmosphere – it’s the perfect place to unwind.
Booking is essential. To request your day pass, please email Academiciansroom@raarts.org.uk with your chosen date and time. Your pass will be ready to collect on the day at the Friends Desk in Burlington House.
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Dine with us
From 20 – 26 May, try our special menus - just for Friends.
In the Keeper’s House
Enjoy a special three-course set menu, available in the Keeper’s House Restaurant. Try our selection of scones and finger sandwiches with our afternoon tea for only £18.50 per person, or upgrade your experience with sparkling wine for £21.50 per person.Booking required, please call 020 7300 5881.
In the Sir Hugh Casson Room
Adding a splash of Spanish flare, join us for a selection of tapas and a glass of house wine for £8.50 on Friday 24 May, from 6pm. Stop by for a light slice of cake and a hot drink for only £5, available all day.In the Shenkman Bar and the Academicians’ Room
Share a platter of cold cuts, a variety of cheeses and vegetable crudities, with two refreshing glasses of house red or house white wine for £18.50 per person.In the RA Café
Treat yourself to a slice of cake and a hot drink for only £5, available all day.
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Become a Friend of the RA
Become a Friend of the RA today and enjoy unlimited, free entry and exclusive access to all our exhibitions and be part of the celebrations in Friends Week 2019.
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