The RSA uses cookies on this website.
By using this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To find out more read our cookie policy and privacy policy.
We are open to everyone who shares our vision and values.
The House has been the intellectual and social home of some of the greatest thinkers and social activists of the past 260 years. Behind our doors today you will find one of the world’s leading public lecture series, extensive archives spanning two centuries, and stunning auditoriums and meeting rooms featuring cutting edge audio visual technology.
At the heart of it all is a space designed to foster the creative thinking and collaborative action needed to address the challenges of our time - an enlightenment coffeehouse called Rawthmells.
Come in and join the conversation. We hope you will leave with at least one new idea, have at least one stimulating conversation, and meet at least one new person.
Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 8.30 am - 9.00 pm
Please note: on Thursday 31 October, Rawthmells will be closed for a private event from 18:00. After this, all are invited to continue your evening in the other communal spaces around RSA House.
14th October 2019
Dr Cross room, RSA House, London
Can you help someone if they are unable or unwilling to share the content of what they would like to work through? Do you feel like you're not always equipped to move challenges forward unless you're an expert in the subject? ...
10th October 2019
On 15 October, and the RSA House will host a free breakfast event with Tom Shakespeare, author of Disability Rights and Wrongs and regular broadcaster for BBC Radio, who will share his leadership insights and address questions ...
Can algorithms, artificial intelligence and machines be truly creative? Is human creativity necessary for scientific progress? Join Marcus de Sautoy OBE FRS, Simonyi Chair for the Public Understanding of Science and Tom McLeis ...
Our programme is designed to encourage serendipity, inspiration, conversation and connection, to turn great ideas into practical action. There are three ways to share your ideas, projects and challenges in the coffeehouse.
House caterers CH&Co are committed to maintaining an ethical and sustainable supply chain and being at the forefront of all new ethical developments and requirements in the industry. Our high quality ingredients are sourced and produced in line with best ethical practices, and our waste cooking oils are collected and converted into bio fuels. Working closely with the Marine Conservation Society, we have removed species and associated fishing methods that are the least sustainable from our menus, and actively seek more sustainable sources for all of our seafood.
From porridge and pancakes to seasonal soups and salads, there's something to fuel everyone's day. Vegan? Gluten free? No problem! Speak to a member of the team to find out what's available for you.
Platters and small plates to share can be enjoyed across both levels of Rawthmells - find yourself a cosy nook to enjoy H.Foreman's smoked salmon, Wookey Hole Cave Aged Cheddar, Cannon & Cannon charcuterie and lots of other bits besides.
Enjoy a variety of wines, London-brewed beer, classic cocktails, spirits (alcoholic and not) with joyful abandon, because profits from the sale of food and drink help fund the RSA’s vital social change programmes.
Rawthmells has been designed to facilitate collaboration and enable great ideas to be shared. Some of the spaces in the coffeehouse can be booked for free if you have a good idea worth sharing. Explore the rooms below for more information.
The Steps, a mini-amphitheatre in the heart of the coffeehouse, can be booked by anyone with a social change idea worth sharing. Seating up to 30 people, you can also live broadcast via YouTube or host participatory online events via Zoom in this space.
Designed to support collaborative work of all kinds, this is a free resource to facilitate your plans for social change. Also featuring displays from the RSA's Student Design Awards which challenge students and graduates to tackle pressing social, environmental and economic issues.
The Dr Cross Room features rotating displays from the RSA's Royal Designers for Industry (RDI), the highest accolade for UK designers. The jet engine, Routemaster bus, iPhone, and Harry Potter film sets, among thousands of other things, have been created by them.
Changing displays in the Gerard Room, the first room as you enter the coffeehouse, place a spotlight on the innovative and interesting work of Fellows around the world. Find out more, or apply to display.
The RSA Archive is maintained in three secure and environmentally controlled strong rooms which protect against atmospheric changes, fire and theft. Facsimiles displayed in this room tell stories from the long history of the organisation.
The Long Gallery features an 11 meter long mural telling the story of the RSA. It was created by Andrew Parks, the talented animator behind the RSA Animate series which has helped spread new ideas to a global audience in the millions.
The library in Rawthmells holds a contemporary collection of over 6,000 books and journals relevant to our work and history. Subject areas include social sciences, psychology and philosophy, management, technology, and art and design. We have an emphasis on material that relates to the RSA’s projects, research, and public events programme. The library offers a freepost lending service!
The RSA was established in an enlightenment coffeehouse, named Rawthmells, in 1754 by a group of people with a shared vision for a better tomorrow. The enlightenment coffeehouses were shaped by those who frequented them, and Rawthmells is no different.
Almost 4,000 Fellows engaged with the question of how the new coffeehouse could contribute to the RSA's mission.
Where good ideas brew! Rawthmells, the RSA’s enlightenment coffeehouse, a natural home for anyone who wants to change the world #Rawthmells #jointheconversation
If you have any questions, or if you are visiting Rawthmells and have any access requirements, please get in touch to let us know ahead of your arrival, so we can ensure the best possible visit:
For more access information, download the Rawthmells accessibility statement.
