Burlington House Has a Lot to Offer

Originally a private Palladian mansion, Burlington House is a building on Piccadilly in London that was expanded after the British government purchased it in the mid-19th century. It is occupied by the Royal Academy in its main building located at the northern end of the courtyard whereas the two wings on the east and west sides of the courtyard and the Piccadilly wing at the southern end are occupied by five learned societies that are collectively known as the Courtyard Societies. These societies include Royal Society of Chemistry on the east wing; Royal Astronomical Society on the west wing; Society of Antiquaries of London also on the west wing; Geological Society of London on the Piccadilly/east wing and the Linnean Society of London on the Piccadilly/east wing. However, Burlington House is generally known to all as being the venue for the Royal Academy’s temporary art exhibitions.

The Society was based in Somerset House up to December 1874 when a suite of specially designed apartments was offered to it in Burlington House, Piccadilly so that it could get more space than what it had in Somerset House. At present, it shares the Burlington House Courtyard with the Royal Academy and four other leading societies. It has a research library and museum collections in its apartments in Burlington House. On Thursday evenings, during the months of October through May, it holds Ordinary Meetings of Fellows and Fellows' lecture programme, a Public Lecture Series, a programme of conferences and research seminars and small temporary exhibitions. However, all the business of Council and Committees and most of the staff of the Society operate from Burlington House. The Society also offers its rooms on hire to other charitable organisations that may need meeting and event space and also to others who may wish to organise private and corporate functions. Visitors to London should avail of london piccadilly hotels so that they can stay at a luxury hotel at an affordable cost and be able to visit Burlington House easily, being located close by.

Wheelchair access is available to the ground floor rooms but there is limited access to the museum and library collections. Staff assistance is however available for the same. Toilets are available on the ground floor. The Society of Antiquaries is located close to many cafes and restaurants in Piccadilly because of its strategic location at Burlington House. The Royal Academy also offers some refreshments. There is no parking available on site.

Being listed in the Government’s Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest at Grade II*, the apartments of the societies occupying the Burlington House courtyard are placed in the most important 8 percent category of all listed buildings in England. The apartments are subject to the continuous process of incremental change although the Entrance Hall, Meeting Rooms and Library are still largely unaffected by any change. The incremental changes are not only major refurbishments like in 2007/8, but also include updating of services like boiler and central heating renewal programmes. For future change, a conservation management plan has been commissioned to formulate future change. Burlington House on Piccadilly is minutes away from both Piccadilly Circus and Green Park Tube stations. It is linked to major stations by four separate underground lines.

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s London residence has been located at Burlington House since 1857. A venue was created in 2010 so that it could be hired out for all types of events that can take place in a unique and convenient setting. At this venue, the events that have taken place include conferences, seminars and symposia, award ceremonies, promotional events, private functions and others. The venue team provides all types of help so that the events are successful. The profits made from the hiring out of the venue are utilised for advancing the excellence of chemical sciences. The venue has six separate rooms over two floors but they are also available together as a suite. All the rooms except the library have natural daylight and air conditioning, Wi-Fi access and presentation facilities. Moreover, the venue team is always at hand to offer the right advice and guidance regarding how to organise an event efficiently.

The different rooms include the library which is a working library full of scientific history and offers a unique space with a capacity of 120 persons for fine dining, lectures and corporate events. It has built-in audio visual facilities and guests can be received in the adjoining dedicated reception area.

The Science Room offers a unique atmosphere created by a blend of heritage of the Royal Society with contemporary design. It is an ideal venue for receptions, conferences and exhibitions. For extra capacity, this venue can be hired along with the Fish Room. It has built-in audio visual facilities and it is easily accessible, being on the ground floor.

The Fish Room is located on the ground floor and it overlooks the courtyard and fountain. It is adjacent to the main entrance and is suitable for meetings with a maximum capacity of 20 persons. It can be combined with the Science Room to create a dedicated reception or catering space.

The Council Room has a central, first floor location that offers views over the courtyard. It features artwork from its historical collection and offers a fantastic setting for holding workshops, receptions and meetings. It has a flexible capacity capable of accommodating up to 25 people for meetings and up to 80 people for receptions.

The Priestley Room is a smaller room which is set back from the activity of the courtyard and is highly recommended for holding board meetings, business lunches and intimate dining up to 20 persons. The room has a quiet, personal environment and gives a historic feel.

The Hinshelwood Room contains valuable works from the RBC Historical Collection and is the smallest room in the premises. It is an ideal place for having group discussions, meetings and break-out sessions.