The Royal Academy has launched a three-month series of exhibits and events in a new space to showcase experimental art. The program, which runs until January 19, is split into two parts: Molten States, an exploration of art and experimental theatre, and Collision Course, which includes an ode to William S. Burroughs, including never-before-seen film footage. During both shows, regular discussions, film series and performances will be held and exhibit spaces will display sculptural installations by avant-garde London-based artists such as Georgina Starr and Plastique Fantastique and works by Maya Roos, Antony Micallef and Toadball TV among others. Opens Sunday and Monday at noon to 10 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday noon to 6 p.m.; Thursday, Friday and Saturday noon to midnight.

Be sure to stop by Flash, the pop-up restaurant from Bistrothèque.

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For those seeking some intellectual buzz, Intelligence Squared is where the London cognoscenti flock for a bit of brain food. The evening debates last ninety minutes and not only are the topics relevant and wide-ranging but the sparring speakers are prominent and know their stuff. Attendees of these debates vote on the topic du jour upon entrance and then votes are retaken at the end to see just how persuasive the debaters were. The topic of the recent debate I attended was “Churchill was more of a liability than an asset to the free world.” Of the six debaters, three were particularly witty and sharp; ex-presidential hopeful Pat Buchanan (for the motion) was quite provocative in his anti-Churchill stance, while historians Antony Beever and Andrew Roberts had the crowds laughing and applauding they were so good. Held at the Royal Geographical Society in Kensington tickets costs $40.