It offers a rare opportunity to explore Britain’s scientific institutions and artistic life in a single visit. Burlington House is a historic building and cultural landmark on Piccadilly, where visitors can discover the Royal Academy of Arts’ exhibitions and the collections of five learned societies.
History and Early Development
Burlington House began in the 1660s, when Sir John Denham started construction on Piccadilly. At the time, the area was transforming from a sparsely populated outskirts into a new aristocratic district, and Burlington House became one of the first major mansions in Mayfair. In 1667, the estate passed to Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Burlington, who completed the building and who the building is named after. It was a mark of Piccadilly’s rise as a wealthy and fashionable part of the city.
Architectural Changes and Burlington Arcade
In the 18th century, the mansion was remodelled in the Palladian style under Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington. Architects James Gibbs, Colen Campbell and William Kent reshaped the building, adding a symmetrical façade and a classical colonnade that no longer survives.
In the 19th century, Burlington Arcade was built next to the mansion. It is one of London’s earliest covered shopping arcades. Its construction reflected Piccadilly’s evolution from private palaces to public and commercial spaces. Burlington Arcade remains a popular destination today, offering a selection of speciality shops in a beautiful interior.
Transfer to the State and the Royal Academy of Arts
Burlington House became state property in 1854, after which it was developed into a centre for scientific societies and cultural institutions. Victorian-era extensions added galleries and public event spaces.
The Royal Academy of Arts took over the main parts of the building in 1867, and its presence is still visible in the courtyard and exhibition halls.
Burlington House in the 20th and 21st Centuries
Throughout the 20th century, Burlington House maintained its role as a centre for science and the arts. It is one of the few surviving 17th-century mansion houses on Piccadilly and has been restored and adapted for exhibitions and public use. Today, it remains one of Mayfair’s and Piccadilly’s most significant cultural landmarks.
Museums and Galleries Near Burlington House
Located on Piccadilly in Mayfair, Burlington House is surrounded by museums and galleries that form one of the area’s most interesting cultural routes. This is especially helpful for anyone looking for things to do near Burlington House or exploring Piccadilly’s cultural attractions in one visit.
Nearby institutions include:
- Handel & Hendrix Museum, showcasing the homes of composer Handel and guitarist Jimi Hendrix
- Gagosian Gallery, known for international contemporary art
- Halcyon Gallery, featuring modern and pop art
- Maddox Gallery, curating contemporary international art
- Phillips, exhibiting modern art, photography and design ahead of auctions
- Sotheby’s, where cultural objects are displayed before sale
- Royal Academy of Arts, the largest and best-known cultural institution in the area
Science and Art Under One Roof
When Burlington House became state property, it was transformed into a centre for several societies. Today, six institutions operate within the building, each representing a different scientific or artistic discipline:
Society of Antiquaries of London (1707) – focuses on archaeology and cultural heritage, maintaining collections, manuscripts and archives that have shaped historical research.
Linnean Society of London (1788) – the world’s oldest society dedicated to natural history and taxonomy. Its collections include Carl Linnaeus’s specimens and documents. Darwin and Wallace’s theory of evolution was first presented here.
Geological Society of London (1807) – advances geological research. Notable scientists include Arthur Holmes, who developed radiometric dating.
Royal Astronomical Society (1820) – supports research in astronomy and geophysics. Past members include William Herschel and Jocelyn Bell Burnell.
Royal Society of Chemistry – formed in 1980 from 19th-century chemistry societies, the oldest of them the Chemical Society, founded in 1841.
Royal Academy of Arts (1768) – occupies the principal spaces of Burlington House. Its collection spans five centuries, and it is famous for its annual Summer Exhibition.
Summary
Burlington House is a place where history, science and art meet. Home to prestigious societies and the Royal Academy of Arts. A visit offers the chance to see the Royal Academy’s exhibitions and some of the learned societies’ historic rooms in one place. Burlington House is an essential part of Mayfair and Piccadilly’s cultural corridor and remains one of the area’s most important historic sites.
