The Royal Academy of Arts has confirmed that it will be reopening to Friends of the Royal Academy on Thursday 9th July and to the public on Thursday 16 July.
Having closed its doors nearly four months ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Royal Academy of Arts will be opening its doors this month, having put in place a number of measures to protect visitors and staff while on the premises.
The Royal Academy is set to reopen in a number of stages, initially for four days a week from Thursday to Sunday, 11am – 4pm and the
exhibition, Picasso and Paper, which has been extended until Sunday 2nd August, will be on view in the Main Galleries.
In order to reopen, the Royal Academy is following government advice and has put in place a number of measures to ensure visitor and staff safety including:
• Social distancing throughout the RA
• Compulsory wearing of a face covering for staff and visitors
• Multiple sanitisation stations throughout the RA
• Operating a cashless system
• Operating a one-way system throughout the building
Axel Rüger, Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Arts, said: ‘We are incredibly excited to be able to reopen our doors so soon after the restrictions have been lifted and are looking forward to welcoming visitors back again. Galleries should be places of community – providing
solace, inspiration and enjoyment – and we are pleased to be able to offer this once more. When we reopen, visitors will be able to catch a final glimpse of our beautiful Picasso and Paper exhibition, and, as visitor capacity will be greatly reduced due to social distancing, it will be an opportunity for a quieter, more contemplative experience in the galleries’.
Pre-booking is essential for everyone who wishes to visit, including Friends of the RA. All visitors must have a pre-booked timed exhibition ticket to enter the building. Tickets will not be available to purchase on site.
For more information about the new regulations and to book tickets visit: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/