Open House 2026

Step inside the British Academy’s historic Grade-I listed home for Open House Festival 2026. In-person event. 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. Tours • 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 Professor 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 requires 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 at your own pace, using our printed guide, highlighting the building's history, architecture, and art collection. 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. Discover more about future events by signing up for our Newsletter Important 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 Public Events FAQs. If your question is not answered, please email [email protected]. The British Academy is a registered charity, number 233176.