Thank you for supporting the future of the Royal Academy

Since 1977 when the Friends programme was established, Friends have contributed over £100 million to the running of the Royal Academy. We are grateful for the generosity of Friends that has enabled us to stage an ambitious programme of exhibitions, maintain the architecture of the building, and continue to run as an independent institution without government funding.
2015 marks another exciting year for the Royal Academy. From the most successful and vibrant Summer Exhibition to date, Rubens and His Legacy,Richard Diebenkorn, and our inaugural 57-hour closing weekend of Ai Weiwei, there is much to be thankful for and celebrate.

Now is a time of great ambition at the Royal Academy. For our 250th anniversary in 2018, we are opening up the Royal Academy as never before, transforming our historic buildings and inviting Friends to celebrate with us.
We have created a special Christmas video for you to express our gratitude, featuring Stephen Fry, Ai Weiwei, Christopher Le Brun PRA, Tim Marlow and Charles Saumarez Smith.

Architecture Events: booking open for Friends

Booking is now open for the Architecture Programme's new season of events around the upcoming exhibition Mavericks: Breaking the Mould of British Architecture. Be the first to book onto these before they open to the public tomorrow. Find out more.

Top art books to give this Christmas

As you may have seen in the RA Magazine, art critic Michael Prodger has picked his top eight art books to give this Christmas. Read his blog which covers books about Francis Bacon, Monet and Sibil Andrew.
Read more here.