Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando

It was built during Felipe V´ s reign, but it receives this name because of its direct dependence on the rules established by the King Fernando VI (Felipe V´ successor). Firstly, its head office was in the Casa de la Panadería. In 1774 it was moved to the current location on the Calle Alcalá, in the Baroque Palace of Goyeneche. Later, it will be redesigned by the architect Diego de Villanueva, author of the Neoclassic façade that we can see nowadays.

Inside, it houses an important collection of Spanish, Italian and Flemish painting, sculpture and decorative arts. It includes masterpieces of painters such as Goya, Ribera, Zurbarán, Rubens, Mengs, Seghers and Bassano, and Modern and Contemporary works of artists such as Carlos de Haes, Sorolla, Muñoz Degrain or Benjamín Palencia. Moreover, it has a Picasso´ s engraving collection and other valuable pieces. The museum is completed with sculptures created by Pedro de Mena, José Ginés, Benlliure and Victorio Macho. We should not forget the collection of sumptuary and decorative arts of the Guitarte´ s collection, or Nombela and Sanchez del Bierzo´ s collection; as well as engravings, furniture, silver, porcelain and other sumptuary works.

Interesting resources

   Photos of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando