Royal Academy of Arts, London

Founded in 1768 under the presidency of Sir Joshua Reynolds, the Royal Academy is most famous for its annual Summer Exhibition, a hugely popular exhibit of contemporary art, held every year since 1769. It is also notable, however, for its headline grabbing showcases, including 1999's epic Monet retrospective which attracted over 800,000 visitors, making it the most successful impressionist exhibition in the world, and Britain's biggest art-event ever. The works on display cover the entire spectrum of art the world, from John Soane's architecture to the Russian Amazons of the avant-garde.