Our history

The Royal Institution was founded in March 1799 with the aim of introducing new technologies and teaching science to the general public. Find out what happened next.

The Royal Institution building circa 1838.
Credit: Painting by Thomas Hosmer Shepherd (1793-1864)
David Attenborough presents the 1973 CHRISTMAS LECTURES.
Credit: Royal Institution
Sir Lawrence Bragg, giving the 1961 Christmas lectures in Ri theatre
Credit: Terence Cuneo, 1962, oil on canvas

Explore our unique history

Interactive timeline

Scientist in laboratory

Bragg film archive

Image of man setting up experiment in archive film

The history of the Davy Lamp

Iconic objects

Michael Faraday's magnetic spark apparatus

Iconic images

Sir Lawrence Bragg presenting the 1961 Christmas Lectures, painting by Terence Cuneo

Michael Faraday

Michael Faraday

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