Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando

The Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando is an art academy and museum in central Madrid, housed in an 18th-century palace building. The rooms spread across multiple floors and display paintings, sculptures and drawings from different centuries of European art history.

King Ferdinand VI established the institution in 1752 as a training center for artists and architects. The move to the current building on Calle Alcalá took place in 1774, where the academy has since taught students while also making artworks accessible to the public.

The collection focuses on works by Spanish artists, including paintings by Zurbarán, Ribera, Murillo and Goya, along with sculptures from different periods. The place also displays drawings, prints and architectural models that document the country's artistic heritage across centuries.

The entrance is located on Calle Alcalá, and the rooms are accessible by wheelchair. The building is open from Tuesday to Sunday during morning and early afternoon hours, and a visit typically takes one to two hours.

The academy still operates both an art school and a public museum under one roof. This dual function as a training and exhibition space has existed for over two centuries and makes the place a living institution.

Location: Madrid

Inception: April 12, 1752

Founders: Ferdinand VI of Spain

Architects: José Benito de Churriguera

Official opening: April 12, 1752

Accessibility: Rolstoeltoegankelijk

Part of: Institute of Spain

Address: Calle de Alcalá

Phone: +34915240864

Website: http://realacademiabellasartessanfernando.com

GPS coordinates: 40.41780,-3.70070

Latest update: December 12, 2025 05:18