Image: Royal Academy of Arts, London
The Royal Academy of Arts in London is set to present its Summer Exhibition 2026 from 16 July to 30 September 2026, bringing together what the institution describes as a vibrant mix of new artist collaborations and exclusive artworks. The exhibition is billed as a wide-ranging survey of contemporary practice, with works spanning painting, sculpture and multimedia installation.
According to the Academy’s announcement, Summer Exhibition 2026 will feature both emerging and established artists, continuing the long-running format that has made the annual show a fixture of the London art calendar. The institution says visitors will encounter diverse contemporary art pieces shaped by a range of themes and art movements, rather than a single curatorial line.
Among the specific highlights named in the announcement are collaborations with Grayson Perry and Susannah Garrod. The Royal Academy’s linked material also points to RA-exclusive artist collaborations and shop items associated with the exhibition, including Grayson Perry 'Red Alan' Brooch and a Susannah Garrod 'RA Archive' Sketchbook and Tote Bag. These references indicate that the exhibition is being supported by a broader seasonal offering linked to the Academy’s shop and summer campaign.
The Royal Academy’s promotional text positions the Summer Exhibition as a chance to experience new work in central London. While the institution’s wording is concise, it suggests a show built around breadth and variety, with the gallery experience extending from framed works and sculptural objects to more hybrid forms of display. No single theme or medium is identified as dominant.
The exhibition’s dates are confirmed as 16 July to 30 September 2026 at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. That schedule places the show across the summer season and into early autumn, giving visitors an extended window to see the annual exhibition in person.
The Academy’s announcement also frames the show through exclusivity, using language that emphasizes new collaborations and artworks available in connection with the exhibition. In the linked material, this is reflected in a long list of RA Shop items and artist collaborations that sit alongside the main Summer Exhibition promotion.
For the Royal Academy, the Summer Exhibition remains one of its key recurring public showcases, and the 2026 edition is being presented with a strong emphasis on contemporary variety and collaborative work. The exhibition runs at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, from 16 July to 30 September 2026.
