The main building of the Palace of the Royal Academy of fine arts of San Fernando is located on one of the Central streets of Madrid. This building was built in Baroque style in 1689 by the famous Spanish architect josé Benito de Churriguera. In 1774 architect Diego de Villanueva have made minor changes to the facade of the building, removing some of the decorative elements of Baroque.

April 12, 1752, according to the decree of king Ferdinand VI in this building was founded an Art Academy, which was originally called "Royal Academy of the three noble arts of Saint Ferdinand". For a long time here has taught architecture, painting and sculpture. Since 1873, the Academy began to teach music, and it was renamed the Royal Academy of fine arts of San Fernando. Since 1987, the Academy opened a branch of photography, cinematography and television. Here also is located the headquarters of the Madrid Academy of art.

When the Academy opened art Museum, which exhibits a large number of outstanding works of art. Here you can see the work of Francesco Goya, Rubens, Juan de Zurbaran, Vicente Lopez Portana, Serrano, Arcimboldo, Picasso, Dali. There is also an exhibition of sculptures, for the most part related to the 18th century.

Over its history, the Royal Academy was visited by various artists, including F. Goya, among its graduates are also many well-known names – Pablo Picasso, Antonio lópez garcía, Salvador Dali and others.