Explore the history and architectural highlights of Carlton House Terrace, the home of the UK's national academy of science.

On 19 and 20 September 2026, Open House Festival, the largest annual festival of architecture and design, returns to the Royal Society. Over the weekend, visitors are invited to discover the secrets of the Grade 1 listed Nash-designed town houses that are currently home to the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence.

Uncover countless treasures behind the doors of 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, including portraits of Royal Society Fellows dating back to the 1600s, including the portrait of Sir David Attenborough FRS by world renowned artist Jonathan Yeo. You can also see Chloe Barnes's 2025 Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year winning portrait of Hannah Fry. Architectural highlights include an ornate mother-of-pearl inlay ceiling and features from the building’s time as the pre-WWII German Embassy.

Join one of our free guided tours or explore at your own pace with our self-guided tour, available to collect on the day. Please note that places are limited for our free guided tours, with tickets available on a walk-up basis.

This year, we celebrate the centenary of that great communicator of science in the natural world, Sir David Attenborough FRS. The Royal Society’s archives document our fascination with living things, from the smallest of pond life to the largest of mammals, and the ecosystems in which they live. An exhibition, but also a birthday gift in leaves, scales, feathers, and fur.

There will be guided tours given by members of our Library team throughout the weekend. Tours can only be booked in person on the day and are first-come, first-served.

Other tours can be amended to accommodate mobility needs upon request.

We strive to make our events as accessible to everyone as possible. The building can be accessed via five steps with a handrail, or by using a lift. Once inside, all areas can be reached without using steps. If you are unable to queue to enter the building, please inform a member of staff when you arrive.

You can find additional travel and accessibility information on our website.

For all enquiries or if you have any accessibility requirements you would like to discuss, please contact the Public Engagement team.