Royal Academy of Dance opens its doors for Open House Festival 2025 

On 14 September, the RAD will open its headquarters in Wandsworth for the Open House Festival 2025, the annual celebration of London’s architecture and neighbourhoods.

Designed by Takero Shimakazi Architects (t-sa) and officially opened in 2022 by the RAD’s Patron, Queen Camilla, visitors will be able to experience the RAD’s stunning headquarters, which features the state-of-the-art 180-seat Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre, seven sweeping dance studios, an RAD shop showcasing a range of dance inspired products, Wolfson Library (one of Europe’s biggest dance libraries), and the Academy Pantry café.

Speaking of what it means for the RAD to be part of Open House Festival 2025, Chief Executive Elizabeth Honer said: “We are delighted that the RAD is taking part in Open House this year. We look forward to welcoming you to our headquarters in Battersea, designed by Takero Shimazaki Architects (t-sa). He and his team created beautiful studios and creative spaces, airy and light, along with a shop, library and café with views of the city outside. Each day our building is full of dance, whether it’s students on site studying to become dance teachers, or people of all ages and abilities from the local community and around London heading to their dance classes with joy and excitement.”

Celebrated for its design, the RAD’s headquarters has won awards, including RIBA London Award 2024 and RIBA National Award 2024.

The RAD headquarters plays host to numerous international and hyper-local events, from the flagship Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition to community events in celebration of Wandsworth as the London borough of culture for 2025.

As well as stunning theatre and studio space, dance enthusiasts will be able to see the headquarters’ artwork and historical dance artefacts, including a collection of Dame Margot Fonteyn DBE’s costumes and pointe shoes.

Find out how to get us on our information page, and book your visit here.