Open House 2025

In-person event. Free - Register your interest

As part of Open House Festival 2025, discover the historic home of the British Academy, the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences. Explore our Grade I listed buildings on Carlton House Terrace , designed by John Nash in 1831, which have recently been transformed by Wright & Wright Architects.Join us for a day of guided and self-guided tours, discovering the building’s rich history, architecture and extensive art collection.

1. Self-guided tours with Bloomberg Connects

Explore at your own pace, using our in-house printed maps or our new Bloomberg Connects App, highlighting building's history, architecture and art collection.

2. 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. Please pre-book your architecture tours via the Open House website:

3. Guided tour with Academy Staff (Drop-in, Register your interest)

Academy staff will be providing guided tours throughout the day, with no pre-booking required. Book your spot on arrival.

Guided tours will run every half hour between 11:15 and 14:45, 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 booking required, you can book your spot on arrival to the building. Last entry to the building is 15:45.

Exhibitions

As part of our upcoming Living with the Planet events season, join us to for two powerful digital exhibitions that explore that explore the importance of local actionability and public engagement in the fight against climate change. These exhibitions are free to the public and no registration is required.

Storytelling for Environmental Change: Tackling Air Pollution in the World’s Most Polluted City

Dr Pawas Bisht, Keele University

British Academy Humanities and Social Sciences' Tackling Global Challenges ProgrammeWhat happens when local voices take the lead in the fight for clean air?

This compelling exhibition features three short documentaries that spotlight how everyday people in New Delhi, the world’s most polluted city, are using storytelling as a tool for environmental change. Filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project explores both the obstacles and opportunities the crisis created for grassroots activism. It’s a raw, honest, and hopeful look at how community-led narratives can inspire real action against one of the most urgent public health threats of our time.

SeaSights: Young People and the Sea

Dr Celine Germond-Duret, Lancaster University

Leverhulme/British Academy Small Research GrantWho gets to shape the future of our coastal communities? And what does a more inclusive ‘blue economy’ look like?SeaSights invites you to experience the world through the eyes of young people living along England’s Northwest coast, areas which are often overlooked in political and economic decision-making. Through creative photography workshops, this exhibition highlights how the ocean and seaside life connect to larger questions of social justice, environmental sustainability, and intergenerational equity.

The Royal Society

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. The Royal Society is located next door at 6-9 Carlton House Terrace. We encourage you to also pay a visit their Open House event on Sunday 21 September.

To find out more about the accessibility of the venue, please visit our dedicated webpage: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/about/accessibility-at-the-british-academy/

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This event will take place at the British Academy's home at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James, London, SW1Y 5AH.

If you have any questions about this event, please refer to our Public Events FAQs. If your question is not answered, please email events@thebritishacademy.ac.uk or call the Events Team on +44(0)20 7969 5210.

Image: 10-11 Carlton House Terrace