The Royal Academy of Arts is delighted to present this year’s Summer Exhibition, for the first time in its long history it is taking place in the autumn, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  At a time when artists have been denied important opportunities to show work, the 252nd Summer Exhibition is a unique celebration of contemporary art and architecture.

The Summer Exhibition remains the world’s largest open submission contemporary art show and has been held every year without interruption since 1769, even throughout the war years.

Jane and Louise Wilson RA are co-ordinators of this year’s exhibition the first time is has been curated by an artistic duo. Working with the Summer Exhibition committee, they seek to challenge the definition of what community is and what form creative communities can begin to take. Themes this year reflect upon Identity, immigration, contested borders, ecological threat, climate change, pro-democracy protest, and landscape in the form of installations, painting, film, photography, and sculpture.

The Summer Exhibition runs from 6th October 2020 to 3rd January 2021, and many of the works are available to browse and buy online through the Summer Exhibition Explorer

Watch an introduction to the Summer Exhibition 2020 HERE

Advance booking is essential for all everyone and all visitors must have a pre-booked timed ticket to enter the building. Tickets can be booked ONLINE  or by calling 0207 300 8090.