Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026

An unmissable summer celebration of art. 

The Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy is a must-see. Year after year, it has occupied a special place in the collective imagination as a reflection of all that is exciting and essential in British and international art and architecture right now.

Encounter art and artists of all kinds  – drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, architecture, film and digital art, made by members of the public, emerging artists and household names, including our Royal Academicians (and the occasional celebrity).  As an Hon RA, Quentin Blake has contributed three new works to this year's show, from his series of imaginary, inter-linked portraits titled 'Good Companions'.  Find them in the Lecture Room, Large Weston Room and Gallery VI.  (More work from this new series will also feature in Quentin's upcoming show at Bankside Gallery, opening 1 - 26 July).

But as tennis is to Wimbledon or music is to Glastonbury, so the art is only half the picture at the RA. It's about joining in, catching up, being present, bearing witness, getting together – no art expertise required.

For this year's edition, the RA will be open late on Saturdays (as with regular Fridays, until 9 PM), and the in-gallery gin bar will be open Thursday through Sunday – meaning more time (and more ways) to be social. Every Friday in July from 5pm, the galleries come alive with DJ sets.

The Summer Exhibition is open Tuesdays-Sundays 10am - 6pm (Fridays & Saturdays until 9pm).  Book tickets on the RA website: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/summer-exhibition-2026