Key information
- The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2025 runs from June 17 to August 17 in London.
- It is the world’s longest-running open submission art show, established in 1769.
- The exhibition features a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, prints, and architectural works.
- The 2025 exhibition explores art’s power to spark dialogue and raise awareness of pressing societal issues, including ecology, coexistence, and survival.
- Over 13 galleries present works by both emerging and established artists, reflecting the diversity of contemporary art today.
An inclusive tradition
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition stands as the world’s longest-running open submission art show, a remarkable tradition dating back to 1769. Its openness to all artists—whether emerging talents or established names—makes it a truly democratic showcase of contemporary creativity. Each year, the exhibition presents an extraordinary variety of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and architectural models. This diversity reflects the ever-evolving landscape of the art world, where classical techniques meet experimental and boundary-pushing forms. In 2025, the exhibition continues this legacy by embracing artists from a broad spectrum of backgrounds, ensuring that the show remains a vibrant forum for artistic expression and dialogue. The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is set to take place from June 17 to August 17, 2025, continuing its long-standing tradition as one of the most anticipated art events in London.
Curatorial innovation
This year’s edition is notably shaped by the vision of architect and Royal Academician Farshid Moussavi, who brings a fresh curatorial approach to the show. Rather than isolating architectural works in a single gallery, Moussavi has woven them throughout all 13 exhibition spaces. This strategy not only breaks down traditional divisions between disciplines but also encourages visitors to experience the show as a dynamic conversation between diverse art forms. The seamless integration of architecture alongside painting and sculpture invites viewers to reconsider spatial relationships and materiality in art. It creates an immersive environment where boundaries blur and new perspectives emerge, enriching the visitor’s journey through the exhibition.
Highlights of the exhibition
The 2025 Summer Exhibition features standout pieces that reflect the theme of dialogue both conceptually and visually. Tracey Emin’s “The Crucifixion” offers a contemporary reinterpretation of religious iconography, merging personal narrative with universal themes of suffering and redemption. Cornelia Parker’s “Looking Up (Facing Down)” employs a convex mirror to distort and multiply perspectives, prompting viewers to reflect on their own position within the gallery space. Frank Bowling’s vibrant abstract work “Red, Yellow and Blue” uses color and texture to evoke deep emotional responses, while George Shaw’s “Survivors 1” presents a haunting landscape that speaks to resilience amidst desolation. The playful installation by Ryan Gander in the courtyard adds a sense of whimsy and engagement, inviting interaction and reflection. Together, these works demonstrate the show’s commitment to variety and intellectual provocation.
A platform for all artists
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition’s open submission policy is central to its identity and continued relevance. Artists from across the UK and beyond submit their work, which is rigorously reviewed by a panel of Royal Academicians. This process fosters a remarkable breadth of artistic voices and practices, from traditional realism to avant-garde experimentation. The inclusion of Elizabeth Day’s iPhone photograph “Glimpse” exemplifies how the exhibition embraces contemporary forms and technologies, blurring the lines between professional and amateur, high art and popular culture. This openness ensures that the exhibition remains a living, breathing reflection of today’s artistic landscape, accessible and inspiring to a wide audience.
Art for all
Beyond celebrating artistic achievement, the Summer Exhibition serves as an important marketplace where many works are available for purchase. Collectors, art lovers, and casual visitors alike have the chance to acquire original pieces, supporting both artists and the Royal Academy Schools. This aspect of the exhibition underlines its role in sustaining the future of art education and practice. The sale of works contributes to nurturing the next generation of creatives, making the exhibition not just a showcase but a vital institution within the British art ecosystem. It invites everyone to participate in the ongoing story of art by owning a piece of its present moment.
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2025 offers more than just a display of artworks—it presents a lively, engaging platform where artists and audiences connect through a shared celebration of creativity, innovation, and dialogue. It invites visitors to explore, question, and be inspired by the rich tapestry of contemporary art in all its forms.
FAQ
When and where is the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2025 held?
The exhibition runs from June 17 to August 17, 2025, at the Royal Academy of Arts in Burlington House, Piccadilly, London.
Who is curating the 2025 Summer Exhibition?
Architect and Royal Academician Farshid Moussavi is the curator for this year’s exhibition.
What is unique about the 2025 exhibition’s curation?
For the first time, architectural works are integrated throughout all 13 galleries rather than being confined to a single space, creating a more cohesive dialogue between art forms.
What kinds of artworks are included in the exhibition?
The exhibition features a wide range of works including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and architectural models from both emerging and established artists.
How are artists selected for the exhibition?
Artists submit their work to an open submission process, and a panel of Royal Academicians reviews and selects the pieces to ensure a diverse and dynamic collection.
Selena Mattei
| ArtMajeur Magazine