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RI History

The Royal Institution was founded in March�1799 with the aim of introducing new technologies and teaching science to the general public. The RI moved to our current premises at 21 Albemarle Street a few months later and has been here ever since. RI has been promoting and teaching science for over�two centuries and it has also been the home of famous scientists, such as Michael Faraday, who have helped shape the modern world.


People Find out about�key officers and staff of the RI since 1799 including our Presidents, Directors and Scientists	Heritage Tours We run group tours of the history and heritage of the RI, its buildings and exhibition, led by a member of the Collections Department.

Christmas Lectures The�RI Christmas Lectures have been inspiring children and adults alike since 1825, find out about how they began and to view images and videos from past lectures.	Research The Royal Institution has played a key role in the development of science. Many important scientific discoveries of the last two centuries have been made here.