Priority booking now open for our winter events at the RA

Priority booking for the new winter events programme opens today for Friends. Book now, before tickets go on sale to the general public next week.

In the RA's new winter/spring programme, discover more about exhibitions Charles I: King and Collector and From Life through talks and roundtables, and explore the impact of technology on architecture.

>>> Browse the full programme

Priority booking now open - New season of Royal Academy events

The new season of winter events is now open for Friends of the Royal Academy to book, before the public. If you haven't had a chance to explore what's in store just yet, you can take a look at some of the highlights below, or browse the full programme online.

They are also very excited to let you know about a new exhibition from the RA's Art Sales programme opening this weekend: Etching: The Infernal Method.

>>> More Details

A brush with genius: Sitting for David Hockney RA

An introduction to David Hockney RA In just over two weeks, David Hockney RA: 82 Portraits and 1 Still-life opens.Watch an introduction to the exhibition with David Hockney or read our blog by friend of the artist Barry Humphries (Dame Edna Everage), about his experience sitting for a portrait.  "Sometimes he gave a short grunt of satisfaction or looked up at his subject with a smile that told me it was going well." Barry Humphries Friends Preview Days are now fully booked for this exhibition. Exhibition opens to the public on 2 July. Advanced booking is required to visit this exhibition. Login here to view and book your free timed-entry slot.  Barry Humphries is an actor, comedian, producer and writer. David Hockney is an English Painter , photographer, and a very important contributor to the Pop art movement of the 1960s, considered one of the most influential painter of 20th century  . David Hockney painted Barry Humphries' portrait over  three days, between 26 and 28 March 2015. Day 1 at 11am Day 1 at 11:50am Day 1 at 1:10pm Day 3 at 12pm

Royal Academy of Arts London Schools is Now Open

23rd June  - 3rd July

Discover the next generation of artists at the
RA Schools Show

Come and explore the historic RA Schools over the next ten days as we display the latest work by graduating artists at the culmination of their three-year course.

While the training of artists has been at the heart of the RA's mission from the outset, over the course of nearly 250 years, the tools, techniques and ideas required have changed just as much as art itself. Today the RA Schools is cutting-edge and contemporary, encouraging individuality and experimentation through diverse media from painting and sculpture to video, installation and performance.

The Friends have been supporting the Schools for almost 40 years and with theSummer Exhibition in full swing in our Main Galleries, it's the perfect time to explore the studios and discover the next generation of artists. Find out more.

The RA Schools show is open until 3 July 2016

Join in with the hashtag #RASchools on Twitter and Instagram

Below are some of the RA Schools Show 2016: Installation Views 

Installation view of work by Tom Worsfold at the Royal Academy Schools Show 2016

Installation view of work by Robin Seir at the Royal Academy Schools Show 2016

Installation view of work by Jack Killick at the Royal Academy Schools Show 2016

Painting the Modern Garden from Monet to Matisse by Royal Academy of Arts

Painting the Modern Garden Film Screening  Did you see Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse? If not, we are hosting a special screening of the exhibition for Friends next Thursday. Exhibition on Screen Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse Thursday 16 June, 7pm Please note, paid tickets have now sold out. We recommend that Friends of the RA reserve free tickets in advance to guarantee entry at their preferred time. From the exhibition walls to the beauty of artists’ gardens, this film takes a magical and widely travelled journey to discover how contemporaries of Monet built and cultivated modern gardens. Guided by passionate curators, artists and garden enthusiasts, learn about the rise of the modern garden in popular culture and the public's enduring fascination with gardens today. The event takes place in the Sir Hugh Casson Room in the Keeper's House and tickets include a welcome drink. A Q&A with Executive Producer Phil Grabsky will follow the screening. Book your ticket now.