The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched a new supporter scheme, ‘RIBA Friends of Architecture’. For the first time ever, people with a non-professional passion for design and architecture can now become a ‘Friend’ of the RIBA and enjoy an exclusive package of special benefits, including behind-the-scenes access to RIBA’s globally significant collections.
For £45 per year for an individual subscription or £80 for a joint subscription, RIBA Friends’ benefits include:
- discounted access to the RIBA’s public programme events
- access to special Friends-only events, including architectural walking tours, visits and private tours of exhibitions
- a biannual Friends magazine – A Magazine for RIBA Friends – offering in-depth features exploring architecture, design, homes, interiors and the environment through the RIBA’s world-class collections
- a 10% discount in the cafe/bistro and bookshop at RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London, W1
- a quarterly Friends e-newsletter
Gift subscriptions are available.
RIBA President Stephen Hodder said:
“Since our foundation in 1834, we have built an unrivalled collection of over four million architectural objects, with each item telling its own story of the past, present and future of our world. We are delighted to launch this fantastic new scheme to help people to explore, enjoy and discover more about architecture and design, by providing special access to RIBA’s unrivalled collections and knowledge.”
Further information at www.architecture.com/friends or email friends@riba.org
Notes to editors
- For further press information and for access to images of the RIBA collections please contact RIBA Press Office pressoffice@riba.org 020 7580 5533
- The RIBA is a charity championing better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture. As a registered charity, the RIBA relies on income and support from its members, individual donors, corporate sponsors, and trusts and foundations to fulfil its charitable remit and maintain and preserve its world-class collections; RIBA Friends of Architecture will help to provide vital support for the Institute.
- The RIBA has one of the world’s finest architecture collections. Highlights include the world’s largest collection of drawings by architect Andrea Palladio, the largest body in the world of British architectural drawings: by Inigo Jones, Christopher Wren, Pugin and many others, the archives of prominent architects and architectural practices, a collection of printed books dating back to 1478, complete runs of major journal titles and the largest holding of architectural photographs in the world (1.5 million). Our collections have formed the basis of major exhibitions around the world.
- The collections are constantly expanding and in 2013 Charles Correa, India’s greatest living architecture gave his archive. In 2006 our collections were designated by the Museums Libraries and Archives Council as being of ‘outstanding national and international importance’; in 2010 the same body awarded the RIBA Accredited Museum status.
- Our collections can be seen at the RIBA’s headquarters and the RIBA Study Rooms and Architecture Gallery at the Victoria and Albert Museum, or by attending one of our talks, exhibitions or learning events for children, students and adults.
- In February 2014, we opened a brand new museum-quality Architecture Gallery in our Grade II* listed Art Deco HQ. Through regular, free exhibitions that explore the past, present and future of our built environment, the gallery helps visitors discover and explore architecture.
Posted on Monday 8th December 2014
