Now in its 257th edition, the exhibition accepts submissions from established and emerging artists.
London’s Royal Academy is home to the world-famous Summer Exhibition. Now in its 257th year, it is the world’s oldest open submission. The beauty of the show is that anyone can enter a work of art, and it may make its way up onto the gallery’s walls. Running to 23 August, the Summer Exhibition 2026 brings together 1,800 works from established to emerging artists.
The history of the Summer Exhibition
The Royal Academy was founded in 1768, and one of its main objectives was to establish an annual exhibition. Not only would it be open to wannabe artists, but it would also be open to the public. The first Summer Exhibition took place in 1769, and it is one of the biggest art events in the London calendar.
The gallery receives more than 10,000 works of art. Artists can submit up to two works – it was originally three, but it was reduced as the submissions were so large. In recent years, the exhibition has adopted a theme. Previous themes include Printmaking and the Multiple in 2005, From Life in 2006, Man Made in 2008, and climate change in 2022.
Each year the Royal Academy of Arts presents prizes for outstanding works in the Summer Exhibition. The £25,000 Charles Wollaston Award is presented once the exhibition has opened.
Summer Exhibition 2026
Summer Exhibition 2026 is being curated by the artist, Ryan Gander. The theme is Interconnectedness, and is curated by the artist Ryan Gander. The exhibition explores how people, ideas, and different art forms link together. The big-name artists include Antony Gormley, Grayson Perry, Tracey Emin.
The Summer Exhibition is also unique because many of the pieces are for sale. Make sure you grab a brochure listing the sometimes eye-watering prices. Look out for the coloured dots next to the painting, which highlight if it has been bought. You never know, you may nab a piece from tomorrow’s biggest artist.
Summer Exhibition 2026 is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, and on Friday from 10am to 9pm. Tickets start from £20.
Where: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BD
When: 16 June to 23 August 2026
Price: From £23.50
Contact: www.royalacademy.org.uk