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250 years
of
RSA House

London’s landmark of innovation, culture, and community since 1774.
Historic building facade with tall columns and a large arched window, bearing a sign that reads "Arts and Commerce Promoted." A teal flag with "RSA" hangs from the entrance. The architecture features brickwork and classic design elements.

RSA House marks its 250th anniversary in 2024, celebrating a quarter of a millennium of hosting history’s greatest thinkers and transformative events.

The RSA has brought together the world’s leading thinkers over its history, from its first meeting in a Covent Garden coffee house in 1754 to its settlement at RSA House 20 years later, right through to its present day, where it boasts a global community of over 31,000 Fellows – working towards a regenerative future for people, places, and the planet.

Rooted in the RSA’s Design for Life mission to foster societal innovation, RSA House’s rich neoclassical architecture and artistic treasures, like James Barry’s “The Progress of Human Culture” in The Great Room, continue to inspire.

Designed by renowned architects Robert and James Adam, RSA House has been the site of groundbreaking events like Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone demonstration. Literary figures like Samuel Johnson and Oliver Goldsmith are also tied to the House’s legacy.

RSArchive: 250 years of RSA House

RSA House first opened its doors in 1774. Today it remains a source of inspiration and refreshment.

Read more
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The RSA: yesterday, today and tomorrow

RSA House may be 250 years old but we’re been making change happen for 270 years. Read how the RSA has changed the world.

Learn about our history
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RSA House: foundations for the future

RSA House is a stunning Georgian townhouse where historic elegance meets modern sophistication. Today, our central London home is not only the base for our research and innovation, and the site of significant collaboration for our Fellows, but it also has a dual life as an event and meeting venue, available to hire for a range of occasions and a filming location. RSA House is open to everybody – whether they are an existing Fellow of the RSA or not.

RSA House is an epicentre for intergenerational collaboration. I've come across so many young, talented people who are pursuing to accelerate social impact.

Nazmus Kahn FRSA
Advisory Board Member

RSA House represents community and diversity. I get to interact with people that I normally wouldn't in my day-to-day routine.

Sophie Hague FRSA
UX/UI designer and Young Fellows Advisory Board Member

With 11 stunning rooms filled with natural light, RSA House offers a versatile space hosting various events, from weddings to corporate gatherings. For years visitors have enjoyed the grandeur of our Grade II listed building, complete with original architectural features. And that’s before we mention the bar, Muse at RSA House, our Coffee House and our library where both Fellows and members of the public can meet, work, socialise and enjoy the historic surroundings.

Discover what RSA House offers

Muse at RSA House

Our new cocktail bar, Muse, spotlights British ingredients, sustainable agriculture, local provenance, rewilding projects, and a unique collection of wild distillates.

Join us for a drink
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The Coffee House and Library

The Coffee House serves delicious menus incorporating locally sourced ingredients from sustainable suppliers throughout the day. Our library showcases innovative work change projects and is a great collaborative meeting space.

Plan your visit
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Attend an event at RSA House

RSA House hosts events that shape the future, finding new ways to illuminate, inform and inspire. Whatever your specialism, expertise or interest, there’s an event for you at RSA House.

Book now
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Hire a space at RSA House

RSA House combines original-period architecture with modern design and technology to create a memorable backdrop for any event. Explore our central London spaces for your corporate event, private party or even wedding.

Elegant dining hall with three long tables, adorned with floral centerpieces and place settings. Large historical paintings adorn the walls. Soft, warm lighting illuminates the room, creating a sophisticated ambiance.

RSA Archive

Whether you’re researching the Great Exhibition, James Barry’s murals in the Great Room, or anything related to the RSA, our archive is here to help. Send us an enquiry or arrange a tour of our secure archive and RSA House.

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Take a deep dive into our past

Our Story

Building on over 260 years of social change.

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RSA Archive

If you are researching the Great Exhibition, the Great Room paintings by James Barry, RSA Premium Awards, or any other topic related to the RSA you have come to the right place.

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Read more about the RSA

Become an RSA Fellow

The RSA Fellowship is a unique global network of changemakers enabling people, places and the planet to flourish. We invite you to be part of this change.

Join our community
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RSA House venue hire

Explore our unique venue with a selection of versatile spaces for hire.

Explore
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Support our work

As a registered charity we rely on our donors, funders and Fellows to realise our vision. Help us create opportunities to regenerate our world by donating to the RSA.

Donate today
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