Royal Institution of Great Britain

The nerd in me was so excited to see this place! I apologize in advance if I let the nerdiness get a little out of hand. After spending the day touring London, hitting Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, Etc, this was a refreshing change of pace. If you have any young scientists on your hand, this is where you need to bring them.
I remember learning about Faraday as a high school student and always seeing pictures of his famous lectures. I didn’t realize it until I saw the Faraday lecture room here, but it’s the same one that so many notable scientists have lectured in — Bragg, Dawkins, Sagan, and so many more. The lecture hall is completely open and I can’t believe they let you go inside, absolutely no restrictions.
Another thing I loved was the self paced tour downstairs. You get to see parts of the lab, and learn about key scientific discoveries that were founded at the Institute. If you’ve got a spare hour or two, make sure you check this place out!

My one criticism of the Royal Institution’s lecture theatre is that it is not kind to the tall. Not a problem for me (as I am a short arse) but not so good for my friend Paul or my even taller boyfriend Ben. But the lads did not complain, bless ‘em (especially as Ben managed to land himself by the aisle, so he could stretch his legs out there).
I love the Royal Institution. There is an old fashioned grandeur about the place. The talks they do are fascinating, and they always have brilliant speakers. Oh, and it’s a good excuse to dress up and pretend you are a rich intellectual.
The Royal Institution also have a wonderful cocktail bar and an excellent restaurant, Time&Space.

I found myself in the café today for a work meeting, and I really rather like the place. I live on the Jubillee line so finding anywhere near Green Park with free wifi is a huge bonus during the day. I get excited about free wifi. In swanky cafes. With friendly staff. Who don’t pester you. The cakes looked nice too.
I wish I’d spent more time here, but instead skipped off to see a friend. I’ll be back, although next time I might order a soft drink. Their latte is the size of a thimble. Actually more machiatto sized than anything.
But, I won’t begrudge them that when I can type away, and then gaze through the window of Tiffany on the way home. This place is a little gem.

Where science meets the world, 14 Nobel Prize winners worked, a place about discovery, innovation, inspiration and imagination. How fascinating to have the Blue Sky thinking while John Tyndall’s original tube showing why the sky is blue is on display?
While wandering the museum with a free e-​Guide, one could have good encounters with the characters at the Royal Institution. My favourite is Michael Faraday and his Magnetic Attraction, the Induction Ring. The first Atlantic cable, the long-​distance telegraph signalling based on his theory of the electromagnetic field ever changed the way the world communicates.
«Science may never come up with a better office communication system than the coffee break» (Earl Wilson) RI’s Time and Space coffee bar is a unique place to take a break as the museum fascinates me with its two centuries of great scientific breakthroughs. The coffee/​cakes are very affordable compared w/​other museums. The best part is to watch various magnifying glasses hanging in a milk way shape on top of the café ceiling :)
RI also has a variety of rooms for event hire. For our MIT’s 60^th alumni club anniversary, I’ve chosen the stylish Library room overlooking Albemarle Street that holds an fascinating collection of scientific books. The Time and Space Restaurant supports the full the catering options. I feel so fortunate to have this connection with RI!

Just like at school, the artsy types get the flashiest spot and the most attention, while the science geeks are tucked away out of sight, ignored, but busily making important discoveries.
The RI is all about science, and can boast being the home of several Nobel prizes, a handful of elements, and even the mastery of electricity. The RI still does a good line in bringing science to the public too, hosting the annual Christmas lectures (among others).
Sadly, the public don’t really bring themselves to the RI. The impersonal façade and unwelcoming non-​descript entrance give no hint at the displays, museum, café-​bar and restaurant inside, which are all worth a visit. And they have a calendar of interesting events. Yes, the food and drinks are expensive, but well, it’s that part of town.
If you visit only one «Institution» in London, make it this one. Most people don’t even know it’s there. Perhaps they should hire one of those ‘Golf Sale’ guys to stand on Picadilly wearing a «Science works, bitches!» t-​shirt…
If none of that convinces you, they have free wifi.

The restaurant is spectacular and lovely food, though seriously not cheap (except for Mayfair).

The royal institution is a historical building close to green park station. It houses the famous lecture theater where many thousands of top scientists have sat to listen too, and discuss science. There is a seat where a young Michael Faraday used to sit and watch lectures, which later inspired him to become a scientist.
There is a permanent museum regarding him, and other items of curiosity in the Ri’s collections.
The main attraction though, is the lecture theater itself, and the lectures that are put on, aimed at serious intellectuals and scientists, to people and families who lack such knowledge gained from a post-​graduate degree. Every year, around Christmas, there are a series of Christmas lectures that are held, specifically aimed at children and families.
There is also a restaurant and bar, which I have not dined at, but have been told that it serves very fine food.