Burlington House
A grand 17th-century mansion on Piccadilly, now home to the Royal Academy of Arts and Britain’s leading learned societies, blending Palladian elegance with centuries of art and science.
Burlington House on Piccadilly is a grand 17th-century mansion transformed into a neoclassical landmark, now housing the Royal Academy of Arts and several of Britain’s most prestigious learned societies. Its elegant courtyard and state rooms host major art exhibitions and scholarly gatherings, blending Palladian architecture with centuries of intellectual and artistic life. The building’s history as a private residence, its role in the Georgian Palladian revival, and its current status as a cultural hub make it a quiet but essential stop for anyone exploring London’s architectural and artistic heritage.
A brief summary to Burlington House
- Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BD, GB
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the Royal Academy’s website for current exhibitions and opening hours; major shows often require timed tickets.
- Visit the courtyard to see any temporary sculptures or installations; it’s a peaceful spot in central London.
- Look for guided tours or open days that give access to the historic state rooms and the societies’ spaces, which are not always open to the public.
- Combine a visit with a walk along Piccadilly, passing Burlington Arcade and nearby galleries and museums.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
From Piccadilly Circus Underground station, it is a short walk east along Piccadilly to reach Burlington House. The route is flat and well-served by lifts and escalators at the station, making it accessible for most visitors.
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Bus
Several bus routes stop near Piccadilly Circus, including routes 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 19, 22, 23, 38, 88, 94, 139, and 159. From there, it is a short walk east along Piccadilly to the building’s main entrance.
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Walking
From central London landmarks such as Trafalgar Square or Green Park, it is a 10–15 minute walk along Piccadilly. The route is flat, with wide pavements and frequent crossings, suitable for most pedestrians.
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Taxi / Ride‑hailing
A taxi or ride‑hailing service can drop you directly outside Burlington House on Piccadilly. There is limited kerbside stopping, so it is best to agree with the driver to use a nearby rank or a short wait while you enter the building.
Burlington House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Burlington House
A Grand London Townhouse Reborn
Burlington House stands on Piccadilly as one of the last survivors of the grand private townhouses that once lined this stretch of London. Built in the 1660s for Sir John Denham, Surveyor-General to Charles II, it began as a red-brick mansion that soon passed to Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Burlington. Over the following century, it evolved into a refined Palladian palace under the 3rd Earl, a passionate architect and patron of the arts. His vision, inspired by Andrea Palladio and executed with architects like Colen Campbell and William Kent, gave the house its classical proportions and elegant interiors, including the celebrated Saloon, one of England’s first ‘Kentian’ rooms.Home of the Arts and Sciences
Since the mid-19th century, Burlington House has served as a shared home for some of Britain’s most distinguished institutions. The Royal Academy of Arts occupies the main block, using its galleries for major exhibitions and its historic rooms for lectures and events. Around the courtyard, the West and East Wings house learned societies including the Royal Academy of Arts, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Geological Society, the Linnean Society, the Royal Astronomical Society, and the Society of Antiquaries. This concentration of artistic and scientific life makes the building a rare London space where art, architecture, natural history, chemistry, and antiquarian scholarship coexist under one roof.Architecture and Courtyard Life
The current appearance of Burlington House is largely the result of 19th-century expansion. After the British government purchased the property in 1854, architects Charles Barry and R R Banks designed new wings and gateway blocks to enclose the courtyard, clad in Portland stone. The courtyard itself is a calm, formal space in the heart of Mayfair, often used for sculpture displays and seasonal installations. Inside, visitors encounter a mix of historic state rooms, modern galleries like the Sackler Wing, and the working spaces of the societies, where libraries, meeting rooms, and lecture theatres continue centuries-old traditions of inquiry and debate.Exhibitions and Public Access
While much of the building functions as offices and libraries, the Royal Academy’s galleries are fully open to the public. The Main Galleries and the Diploma Galleries host major temporary exhibitions, from Old Masters to contemporary architecture, while the John Madejski Fine Rooms showcase the restored historic interiors. The building’s layout encourages exploration: from the grand entrance on Piccadilly, through the courtyard, into the galleries and event spaces. Temporary installations, talks, and academic events mean that each visit can reveal something new, whether a blockbuster art show or a glimpse into the workings of a learned society.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Burlington House
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A grand 17th-century mansion on Piccadilly, now home to the Royal Academy of Arts and Britain’s leading learned societies, blending Palladian elegance with centuries of art and science.
3 Savile Row
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Essential places to dine
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sketch
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Little Social
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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LONGCHAMP
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Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
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Canvas Collection
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Liberty
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Cultural
- Historic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Classical
- Elegant
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly