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.
Christmas and January 2024/25 closure
Please note that the Ri will be closed to visiting members of the public from Tuesday 24 December to Thursday 16 January inclusive.
During that time we'll be enjoying a well-deserved Christmas break (and watching the CHRISTMAS LECTURES on BBC Four) and, when we return in January, carrying out some important maintenance and improvement works as we care for and preserve our wonderful building. We'll be back with a bang on Friday 17 January for our first Theatre event of 2025, a behind the scenes look at the best Ri demos of 2024. Don't miss it!
Planned closures
Days when the Ri is closed
We will be closed on all English bank holidays.
We are closed for the filming of the Christmas Lectures in December, as follows:
Monday 9 December – Lower Ground and Ground Floor open to the public until 3pm. Café open until 3pm, takeaway only.
Tuesday 10 December – Building closed to the public all day. Café open until 3pm for takeaway only.
Wednesday 11 December - Lower Ground and Ground Floor open to the public until 3pm. Café open until 3pm, takeaway only.
Thursday 12 December - Building closed to the public all day. Café open until 3pm for takeaway only.
Friday 13 December - Lower Ground and Ground Floor open to the public until 3pm. Café open until 3pm, takeaway only.
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
We want to make your visit to the Ri as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
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, or see our documents below for more details.
