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San Fernando Fine Art Royal Academy

Step into the heart of Madrid’s artistic legacy at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, a place where history, creativity, and inspiration come alive. Founded in 1752, this iconic institution has shaped Spain’s art scene for centuries, nurturing legendary talents like Goya, Picasso, Dalí, and Miró within its walls. Housed in a stunning neoclassical palace on Calle de Alcalá, the Academy feels like stepping into a living museum—where every corridor whispers stories of artistic revolution and cultural change. Visitors are welcomed into a world of masterpieces, from Goya’s captivating self-portraits to works by Italian and Flemish masters, all displayed in beautifully restored galleries. Wander through the museum’s rich collection, admire exquisite engravings, and explore the historic library and archive, where centuries of artistic knowledge are preserved. The Academy isn’t just about the past—it’s a vibrant hub where art continues to evolve, with exhibitions and events that spark curiosity in visitors of all ages. Whether you’re an art lover or simply curious, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando offers a unique journey through Spain’s creative soul, making it a must-see for families and travelers eager to discover the magic behind the canvas.

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San Fernando Fine Art Royal Academy

Dalí was expelled from here in 1926—he insisted no professor could judge his genius. This Neoclassical facade on Calle Alcalá, 13 masks a Baroque palace, originally the Goyeneche family home until Charles III claimed it in 1774 for what became Europe's oldest art academy, founded 1752. Step inside and face thirteen Goya paintings... including the only self-portrait of him painting... plus 1,400 masterpieces by Picasso, Miró, and legends who shaped Spanish art.

Did You Know?

  • : The Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, founded in 1752, was one of the first institutions in Europe to democratize art education, moving away from exclusive workshop apprenticeships and making formal training in painting, sculpture, and architecture accessible to a broader range of students.
  • The Academy's building, originally the Palacio de Goyeneche, was transformed from a Baroque palace into a Neoclassical masterpiece by architect Diego de Villanueva at the request of King Charles III, symbolizing the Enlightenment ideals of reason and order in art.
  • Salvador Dalí, one of the most famous students, was expelled from the Academy in 1926 for declaring that no teacher was skilled enough to examine his work, a bold act that foreshadowed his revolutionary impact on modern art.
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