Visit

Everything you need to plan your visit to the Ri and the Faraday Museum.

the exterior of the Royal Institution building
Image credit: Tim Mitchell

Opening times

Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm. 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.

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.

Planned closures

Days when the Ri is closed

We will be closed on all English bank holidays.

We are closed in 2024 on:

  • Tuesday 12th March

  • Tuesday 19th March

  • Tuesday 26th March

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

Entrance to the Royal Institution

The visitor entrance to the Royal Institution is on Albemarle Street and is accessible via double doors.

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.

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Explore our building

The Royal Institution is closed 19 March

The Ri is closed this week on Tuesday 19 March.