British Academy Summer Showcase: a free festival of ideas for curious minds

On 22-23 June 2018, the British Academy will throw open the doors to its historic buildings to the public for the first ever Summer Showcase, a free festival of ideas for curious minds.

From hands-on activities to talks and live music performances, the two-day festival will showcase the latest thinking in the humanities and social sciences. From history to music, geography to psychology, visitors will be able to meet the leading minds behind cutting edge research.  

The showcase will take place in the British Academy’s beautiful Regency building and gardens overlooking The Mall on Carlton House Terrace, the former home of Prime Minister William Gladstone.

15 interactive displays will bring to life ideas about what it means to be human, past, present and future, including:

• Explore the depiction of the history and culture of the American ‘Wild West’ in retro videogames.


• Try on a new diet: using facial transformation software, discover how food and lifestyle affect how you are seen.


• Experience how our ancestors used to sleep, make your own Tudor sleep remedy and pick up top sleep tips from history.


• Listen to spectacular piano performances from a rising star in South African jazz as he explains the thinking behind his work.

The British Academy Summer Showcase is free to attend and open 11am-5pm on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 June 2018. Booking is required for groups of over 8 people.

A special late-night view on Friday 22 June between 6.30-9pm offers the chance to enjoy exclusive talks and performances over a drink at the bar.

For more information and to sign up for updates, visit www.britishacademy.ac.uk/summershowcase