Royal Academy of Arts Transformation

The Royal Academy of Arts (RA), founded in 1768 and housed in the Grade II* Listed Burlington House, sought to expand and modernise its facilities to mark its 250th anniversary. The acquisition of the adjacent 6 Burlington Gardens presented an opportunity to unify the two buildings into a single, cohesive campus. The challenge lay in sensitively integrating these historic structures, enhancing public access, and providing state-of-the-art spaces for exhibitions, education, and events, all while preserving the architectural integrity of the existing buildings.

G&T provided Cost Management and Facilities & Asset Management Advisory services for the RA’s transformation. Working closely with David Chipperfield Architects, the project introduced the Weston Bridge, a link connecting Burlington House and 6 Burlington Gardens, creating a seamless public route between Piccadilly and Mayfair. The redevelopment included the addition of the Gabrielle Jungels-Winkler Galleries, the 250-seat Benjamin West Lecture Theatre, the Clore Learning Centre, and the restoration of the Wolfson British Academy Room. These enhancements expanded the RA’s capacity for exhibitions and educational programmes, while also improving visitor amenities across the campus.

Completed in 2018, the transformation of the Royal Academy of Arts successfully unified two historic buildings into a dynamic cultural campus. The project increased public space by 70%, introduced new galleries and learning facilities, and improved accessibility throughout the site. G&T’s expertise ensured the project was delivered on time and within budget, balancing the complexities of heritage conservation with modern requirements. The revitalised RA now offers an enhanced experience for visitors, students, and staff, securing its position as a leading institution in the arts.