Heritage Open Days 2025: RWA History Tour

Friday 19 September, 11am

Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.

The RWA are thrilled to be taking part in Heritage Open Days for the first time in 2025! To celebrate this years theme of Architecture we are offering the public a free tour on the 180 year history of the RWA. Located in a spectacular Grade II* listed building in the heart of the city, the RWA is the UK's only Royal Academy of Art housed in its own, original, purpose-built gallery. Learn about its first conception and place within Bristol, to our recent transformational capital project. Join us to explore our building highlights, challenges, and how we are securing its future. Our vision is to be be a place that welcomes, inspires and enriches the lives of all people from all communities and all backgrounds through Art and Creativity.

"One of the most beautiful places in which to look at art in this country" - Sir Nicolas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England

Heritage Open Days 2025: 12-21 September