Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando

Overview

The Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando is one of Madrid's most undervisited treasures—a world-class art collection hidden in a quiet 18th-century building on Calle de Alcalá, steps from Puerta del Sol.

Highlights

• Goya's Self-Portraits: Two remarkable self-portraits by Goya, who served as the Academy's director of painting.
• Zurbarán Room: An extraordinary collection of Francisco de Zurbarán's mystical, dramatically lit paintings of monks and saints.
• Artist Alumni: The Academy trained Picasso, Dalí, and countless other major Spanish artists.

History

Founded in 1752 by King Ferdinand VI, modelled on the famous academies of Paris and Rome. Goya served as Director of Painting from 1795. Picasso briefly studied here in 1897 before transferring to Barcelona. The Academy continues to operate as Spain's premier institution for the visual arts.

Visitor Tips

• Almost Empty: Despite its extraordinary collection, the museum rarely has more than a handful of visitors.
• Wednesday Free: Free entry on Wednesdays.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.