Located in the historic Piccadilly area in the heart of London, the Royal Academy of Arts is an independent fine arts institution, which supports contemporary artists and promotes interest in the arts through a comprehensive exhibition programme.

The Academy is completely independent and as such is a self-funded organisation which is governed by the Royal Academicians - eminent practising painters, printmakers, sculptors and architects, who are elected to the position.

The Academy is located in Burlington House, which itself has a long and colourful history with parts of the original structure estimated as dating back to 1664.

A Summer Exhibition, held annually since the Academy's foundation in 1768, is renowned for it excellence and runs from mid June to mid August. Today, the Academy attracts well over one million visitors each year, making it one of London's top 10 attractions for paying visitors.