With ten elements and the principles of electromagnetism to its name, the Royal Institution has an unparalleled record of experimental discovery. Now we are bringing theoretical research into the building, working in rooms that were the living quarters of Davy, Faraday and Bragg.
The Old Post Room
Where the mail of the Royal Institution was once sorted, our scientists now meet for a chat, a coffee and demonstrations on the blackboard.
Faraday’s Study
This is the room in which, after a hard day in the laboratory, Michael Faraday would write up neatly the rough notes he had made earlier.
Bragg’s Dining Room
The dining room of the resident professors has played host to distinguished speakers, including Guglielmo Marconi and Lord Rutherford.
Tyndall’s Parlour
Where John Tyndall relaxed and Michael Faraday read aloud from Shakespeare, we host our weekly meetings with the London Theory Institute.
The Rumford Room
We have named our Director’s study the Rumford Room, in honour of the brilliant, mercurial founder of the Royal Institution, Count Rumford.
Davy’s Attic
Rooms on the third floor have served as bedrooms to Sir Humphry Davy, Michael Faraday, and scientists delivering the Christmas Lectures.
The Porter Wing
When the Theatre blew up in 1927, it offered the chance for a rebuild—leading to the creation of these rooms on the building’s eastern side.