Our 1834 Charter positions education and the sharing of knowledge at the heart of what we do, founded upon our international collection of works and objects through which we celebrate excellence, inspire, and inform. The Culture Report illustrates our activities over one full year: providing care and access for all to our world-class collections; reaching wide audiences through engaging public and learning programmes; and promoting excellence through our unparalleled awards.
As we approach our 200th anniversary in 2034, we are embarking on a transformational vision, the House of Architecture, which will reimagine our institution as a shared cultural destination. This report reflects the last full year of occupying our 66 Portland Place home prior to its complete refurbishment and renewal as part of this programme.
Our Cultural Remit: The House of Architecture
Aligning with our mission and founding Charter’s principles, RIBA is responsible for an inspirational cultural programme both nationally and internationally. The voluntary support and expertise of members, sponsors and our charitable partners have enabled the exceptional standard of this activity and have directly contributed to the successes outlined in this report.
For the last 190 years, we have provided access to our library and collections to everyone. Since moving to our purpose-built home in 66 Portland Place in 1934, we have expanded our public engagement to include public lectures, exhibitions, partnerships with RIBA Chartered Architects and Practices, as well as with regional and national museums, libraries, galleries, and schools and universities. Simultaneously, we have developed a comprehensive awards programme celebrating excellence in architecture close to home and across the world, mirroring our now enviable reach.
Our 1834 Charter makes clear that we do this for the benefit of civic society, with education and the sharing of knowledge at the heart of what we do, founded upon an international collection of works and objects through which we celebrate excellence, inspire, and inform. As we approach our 200th anniversary in 2034, we are embarking on a major reimagining of our institution as a shared cultural destination, both physically and digitally. This report reflects the last full year of our occupation of our home prior to its complete refurbishment and renewal, a significant symbolic moment for all in our London home.
What's in our report?
We cover five core areas in the report:
- Celebrating excellence
We have been celebrating outstanding work in the built environment for over 190 years. Our awards and prizes are regarded internationally as a mark of excellence. Recognising the best architecture, architects, research, and students. - Inspiring architecture
Through our exhibitions and events, we share architectural ideas and the people behind them drawing on our rich collections, new commissions, and original research. Our aim is to open architectural conversations and knowledge to everyone, by creating programmes that are thought provoking, accessible, and inclusive. - Sharing knowledge
Our education and learning team focuses on both the formal process of architectural education and a broader introduction to architecture and the built environment for all ages of the general public. There was a 15% increase in participants across our learning programmes in 2024 with over 7500 participants in total. The education programme provides support for architecture students through scholarships, bursaries and grants. In 2024 we distributed a record annual total of £320,000 to students and researchers through 11 funding schemes. - Shaping the future
As we approach our bicentenary in 2034, we have an ambitious vision to build upon our cultural activity and reinvigorate us as a beacon of excellence, engagement, and discourse. The House of Architecture is a £100m programme to position our institution as a world-class cultural leader and global hub for architectural dialogue and knowledge. Our vision is bold: to make the future a better place. - Expertise, governance, and performance
Our architecture programmes and collections team leads on our cultural offer, working closely also with our education and learning team in the Professional Knowledge and Standards directorate. Together these teams bring significant external standing to our institution.
