Visit

Ri closure Summer 2025

The Ri will be closed to the public from Monday 28 July to Friday 12 September (inclusive). We hope to re-open our building from Monday 15 September, with a return to our normal opening hours. 

The reason for the closure is that we are undertaking important works at the Ri during the summer, funded by the Mayor of London, to significantly reduce our building’s carbon emissions. 

Thank you for your support and understanding as we undertake these important works at the Ri.

Our popular Summer Holiday Workshops will run as normal during this period, and special arrangements will be made for parents and/or guardians to drop-off and collect their children.

Opening times

Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm, and every first Saturday of the month, 12noon - 9pm. We aren't open on any public holidays, including bank holidays.

There may be limited access to the building if private events are taking place. Please call ahead (+44 (0)20 7409 2992) of your visit to avoid disappointment.

Science Saturdays

We are now open on the first Saturday of every month for our Science Saturday events. Come and enjoy a matinee family talk at 2pm, and then a talk on the same subject for an older audience at 7pm. 

On our Science Saturdays, the cafe will be open from 12pm, and our historic rooms and exhibition spaces open from 1pm.

Visit our What's On page to see upcoming Saturday events.

Faraday Museum

Visit our Faraday Museum and discover over 200 years of history-making science from the Ri. Entry is free.

Ri Cafe

We're delighted that the Ri Cafe is open again, for hot drinks, snacks, and meals, from Monday to Thursday, 9.00 to 15.00.

Welcome tours

We offer 45 minute Welcome tours to introduce you to the Ri. These are free for our Members, or £10 plus Eventbrite fee for non-Members (refundable if you become a Member on the day).

How to get to us

Our address

The Royal Institution of Great Britain
21 Albemarle Street
London
W1S 4BS
+44 (0) 20 7409 2992

By tube

The Royal Institution is a five-minute walk from Green Park station, which is on the Jubilee, Victoria and Piccadilly lines. Also within a ten-minute walking distance is Piccadilly Circus station, on the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines, or Oxford Circus station on the Victoria, Central and Bakerloo lines.

By bus

Bus numbers 9, 14, 19, 22 and 38 run along Piccadilly by the entrance to Albemarle Street.

By bicycle

Bicycle parking is located around the corner from the Ri, on Bond Street.

By car

The Ri is located within the Congestion Charging zone.

There is limited metered parking nearby, and the nearest public car parks are located at Old Burlington Street and Arlington Street.

Accessibility information

We want to make your visit to the Ri as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Entrance to the Royal Institution

The visitor entrance to the Royal Institution is on Albemarle Street and is accessible via double doors. Currently, due to works (summer 2025) the only wheelchair accessible route is is via Grafton street.

Information desks

The reception and information desk is located at the visitor entrance. Staff are happy to help with any questions you have.

Toilets

Accessible and standard toilets are located on the ground floor by the reception area.

Baby changing facilities

Baby changing facilities are available in the accessible toilet on the ground floor by the reception area.

Lift

There is one lift located in the Atrium. All floor levels are announced.

Cloakroom

There is a small unattended cloakroom on the ground floor in the reception area.

Large bags and rucksacks must be placed in the cloakroom and you may be requested to leave briefcases, bags, sticks or umbrellas in there as well.

Buggies can also be stored in the cloakroom, subject to space availability.

Seating

There are seats in the reception and several seats in the exhibition space. Portable seats are available for tours – just ask a member of staff.

Accessible car parking

There are four spaces for Blue Badge holders on Mayfair Place and three spaces for Blue Badge holders on Cork Street.

Drop-off points

Albemarle Street has metered parking so there are limited opportunities for drop-offs.

Wheelchair access for exhibitions and events

All public areas are wheelchair accessible via the lift in the Atrium. Floor levels are announced. The Theatre can accommodate four wheelchair users.

Guide and hearing dogs

We welcome guide dogs and hearing dogs.

Sound enhancement system and induction loops 

Induction loops operate in the Theatre. Please ask a member of staff for details, or see our documents below for more details.