The Royal Institution

 

 

The RI in Albermale Street

 

 

Entrance with statue of Sir Michael Faraday

 

 

The Lecture Theatre

 

 

Library

 

 

Michael Faraday’s laboratory

 

 

The Royal Institution was formed in 1799, born from the age of Enlightenment for "diffusing the knowledge ... of useful mechanical inventions" to the ordinary public.

 

 

 

A venerable and unique institution. In total fifteen scientists attached to the Royal Institution have won Nobel Prizes. Ten chemical elements including sodium were discovered at the Institution, as well as the electric generator and the atomic structure of crystals. (Wikipedia)

 

 

 

 

 

Many eminent scientists have been associated with the RI, particularly in the 19th century, such as Humphry Davy, James Dewar, the Braggs (father & son Nobel Laureates) and of course Michael Faraday.

 

 

Faraday initiated the Christmas Lectures in 1825 in the Lecture Theatre. They became so popular, that due to the size of the crowds gathering to see them, Albemarle Street became the first one-way street in London.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over the years many notable presenters have given the Christmas Lectures - now televised - from this Lecture Theatre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The museum is free to visit and is near to Burlington House.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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