- Venue
- The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH
- Price
- Free
- Facilities
- Baby changing facilities, Hearing loop, Wheelchair accessible venue
- Event series
- Searching for wellness
Free, register your interest
As part of Open House Festival 2026, step inside the historic home of the British Academy, the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences.
Explore our Grade-I listed building on Carlton House Terrace, designed by John Nash in 1831 and recently transformed by Wright & Wright Architects. Discover the building’s rich history, architecture, and extensive art collection through a day of guided and self-guided tours.
Be among the first to experience our free exhibition, ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’. Through film, photography, and interactive installations that challenge corporate wellness narratives, reflect on what wellbeing in the workplace really means.
- Architecture guided tour with Wright & Wright Architects: Join Stephen Smith – Partner at Wright & Wright Architects – for an in-depth look at the building's architecture – both old and new. This can be booked through the Open House website.
- Immersive guided tour with Dr Faye Sayer: Learn how visiting heritage buildings and viewing art can boost wellbeing in this guided tour, curated especially for our upcoming season. This can be booked through the Open House website. Please note this tour involves audience participation and a hands-on creative workshop.
- Guided tour with British Academy Staff (Drop-in): Expert British Academy staff will be providing guided tours throughout the day, no pre-booking required. Book your spot on arrival.
- Self-guided tours: Explore the building's history, architecture, and art collection at your own pace.
Guided tours will run every half hour between 11:30 and 15:00, with a maximum of 15 people per tour, and will be offered on a first come first served basis.
Self-guided tours are available between 11:00 and 16:00 with no pre-booking required. Last entry to the building is at 15:45.
Exhibit: Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
As part of our upcoming autumn season of free public events, explore the 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger' exhibition, curated by British Academy-funded researcher Dr Simon Willems. Through short film, photographs, and interactive installations, the exhibition brings together six artists to challenge corporate wellness narratives and invites you to rethink what wellbeing in the workplace really means.
The Royal Society
The Royal Society, next door at 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, is also holding an Open House event on Sunday 21 September.
The British Academy is the sister academy of The Royal Society, the independent scientific academy of the UK, dedicated to promoting excellence in science for the benefit of humanity.
Further Information
Last entry at 15:45, doors close strictly at 16:00.
Please note that random bag checks will be in operation at this event and no external food or drink is permitted on the premises.
A ticket does not guarantee entry to the guided staff tours. You must also pre-register for the tours that are not stated as drop-in.
See information about the accessibility of the venue.
If you have any questions about this event please refer to our Events FAQs. If your question is not answered, please email [email protected].
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Image: 10-11 Carlton House Terrace