In 1825, the first series of CHRISTMAS LECTURES® was given in our iconic theatre. In the two centuries since, that same stage has been graced by many of history’s best known scientists – Faraday, Davy, Lonsdale, the Curies, Tesla, Attenborough and more – and witnessed the public announcements of lifechanging scientific advances.
In this 200th anniversary year of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES®, Ri Discourses, and the discovery of benzene, you have a unique opportunity to support the Ri’s future, by naming a seat for someone. Surprise your family and friends with this thoughtful gesture, and visit your seat for years to come.
Every seat will tell a story, whether you're honouring a loved one, reflecting on a special occasion or celebrating your passion for science. Your seat will have a plaque that is engraved with the name or dedication of your choice.
As a charity, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to fund the future of our programmes including the treasured CHRISTMAS LECTURES®, and protect our iconic home for everyone.
Choose your seat now
Click on the link below to select your seat and donation.
Theatre seating plan
Your seat and gift options
£5,000 donation – row B
£3,000 donation – row C
£2,000 donation – row D
£1,500 donation – row E
£1,000 donation – row F
£750 donation – row G
£500 donation – row H
£300 donation – row J
Terms and conditions
- Your donation is acknowledged with a seat that is named for a period of 5 years, after which the Royal Institution reserves the right to make the seat available to re-name.
- The dedication must be the name of an individual(s) or 'In Memory of'. Please provide the chosen names up to a maximum of 50 characters over two lines (25 characters per line), including spaces
- Your chosen dedication will be engraved on a plaque, and it will be attached to a seat in the row selected
- The supporter named on the seat does not own the seat at any point. The seat remains at all times the property of the Royal Institution
- Naming a seat does not have any bearing on admission to talks, lectures or events or guarantee allocation of that seat
- You cannot change the name you have chosen to be engraved after confirmation with the Development team, or after the name has been engraved on the plaque
Get in touch
For more information, Matilda Brady, Philanthropy Manager, will be happy to help. Please call on 020 7670 2950 or email mbrady@ri.ac.uk