This is a big year for the Royal Academy of Arts! In case you hadn’t heard – it’s their 250th anniversary and they have just opened revamped galleries and a new, expanded campus. To coincide with all the excitement, the RA has released a new Friends membership pack designed by Gary Hume RA…

Whether you live or work locally, the RA is a great place to take your friends, family, colleagues for coffee, an exhibition or a late-night viewing, or a longer visit during the weekend. If you tend to buy tickets for each exhibition throughout the year, then you should definitely consider becoming a member.

As a Friend of the RA, you get free entry for you and a guest to all of the RA exhibitions. The best thing about this is there is no need to book or queue – you can simply show your card and walk in at any time. It makes the whole experience of visiting the RA so much smoother and more enjoyable.

Other benefits to the membership include priority booking for their expanded events programme including talks and courses and all-day access to the café, restaurant, bar, and garden at the Keeper’s House in Burlington House.

A Standard Friends membership is £125 for a recurring annual membership by Direct Debit. If you’re aged 16-25 you can benefit from a Young Friends membership and 50% off – so you only pay £60.

If you’re stuck on what to buy someone for their birthday, this is a really lovely gift which lasts a whole year – and keeps on giving!

Image: The Keeper’s House, courtesy of the RA