Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026

The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is the world’s largest open submission contemporary art show and has been running continuously since 1769. The 2026 edition is co-ordinated by artist Ryan Gander, who takes responsibility for the overall curatorial direction, selecting and hanging work submitted by practising artists, architects and designers from around the world alongside contributions from Royal Academicians.

Architecture has always formed a substantial part of the Summer Exhibition, with a dedicated gallery displaying drawings, models and prints submitted by practising architects. The show provides one of the few public forums in London where architectural work is presented alongside fine art and craft on equal terms, rather than in a specialist professional context.

For design professionals, the Summer Exhibition offers a broad annual survey of where practitioners across disciplines are directing their energy, as well as the opportunity to purchase original work directly from exhibiting artists. The annual preview and charity gala are significant fixtures in the London professional calendar.