Welcome to the British Academy

We are delighted to welcome you to Open House 2026. Step inside one of London's finest examples of Georgian architecture. Carlton House Terrace is a Grade 1 listed structure originally designed by John Nash and built between 1827 and 1833. Today, the townhouse at No. 10-11 is home to the British Academy, the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences.

Tours

There are three options to choose from:

1. Architecture guided tour with Wright & Wright Architects (SOLD OUT): Join Stephen Smith – Partner at Wright & Wright Architects – for an in-depth look at the building's architecture – both old and new.
2. Immersive guided tour with Dr Faye Sayer (SOLD OUT): Learn how visiting heritage buildings and viewing art can boost wellbeing in this guided tour, curated especially for our upcoming season. Please note this tour involves audience participation and a hands-on creative workshop.
3. 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.
4. Self-guided tours: Explore the building's history, architecture, and art collection at your own pace.

Drop-in Activities

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.

About the British Academy

We are the UK's national academy for the humanities and social sciences. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future.

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About Carlton House Terrace

Carlton House Terrace was designed by John Nash and constructed from 1827 to 1833 on the site of Carlton House, the former home of the Prince Regent, later George IV.

From 1831 until just after the First World War, No. 10 was the London home of the Ridley family, who were wealthy landowners in Northumberland. The British Academy moved into No. 10 in 1998.

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Our rooms

Download our map (PDF)

Ground floor

• No. 10 Entrance / Lobby
• Fellows' Room (The Sir Victor Blank Room / The Weston Room)
• The Lee Library / The Reading Room
• The No.11 Lobby

First floor

• The Barnard Room
• The Council Room
• The Music Room
• Gallery
• The Beatrice Webb Room
• The Radhakrishnan Room

Lower ground floor

Completed in Summer 2024, we have added three brand new event spaces to our Lower Ground floor designed by Wright and Wright architects. Be among the first to explore these new transformative spaces.

• The Lower Ground Floor

Autumn Public Events Season - Searching for wellness

(Sep-Nov 2026)

Explore what it means to live well in an increasingly complex world, where our ability to rest, connect and heal is being continuously reshaped by economic, social and technological forces. Join leading researchers and creators for vital conversations about how ideas of living well have changed across history and cultures, and how we might reclaim balance today.

Find out more about the event's programme and register for tickets here.

Last entry at 3:45pm, doors close strictly at 4pm.