Museum of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando: Permanent Collection

Explore Masterpieces at the Royal Academy

Step into the Museum of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando and experience a remarkable journey through centuries of European art. The museum houses an impressive collection that brings together works spanning the Renaissance through the 20th century. Each gallery unveils stories captured by iconic artists, offering visitors an authentic encounter with the evolution of creativity across Spain and Europe.

A Treasure Trove of Artistic Heritage

The Academy’s permanent collection represents some of the finest examples of Spanish, Italian and Flemish painting. Admire the only Arcimboldo painting in Spain, an extraordinary fusion of natural forms and artistic imagination. Wander through galleries adorned with masterpieces such as Goya’s celebrated The Tyrant and The Burial of the Sardine, two paintings that highlight the emotional and technical brilliance of one of Spain’s most influential artists. Works by Leandro Bassano, Mengs, Ribera, Rubens, Tintoretto, Van Loo and Zurbarán further enrich this artistic assembly, while The Gentleman’s Dream by Pereda offers a window into the Baroque imagination.

The Academy’s devotion to creative expression doesn’t stop at painting. Explore the significant assortment of 17th-century sculptures and carefully curated casts, which showcase the skill and sensibility of European sculptors across generations. The permanent collection is a testament to the Academy’s commitment to preserving artistic legacy for modern audiences to experience firsthand.

A Journey Through Artistic Eras

Travel in time as you view the evolving styles of Spanish art. The 19th-century galleries are adorned with elegant portraits by Vicente López, José de Madrazo and Federico de Madrazo, revealing the personalities and fashions of Spain’s elite. The romantic sensibilities of Antonio María Esquivel and bucolic landscapes by Carlos de Haes reflect a period of dynamic change and cultural expression.

The 20th-century artworks give visitors a fresh perspective on Spanish modernism and the avant-garde. Observe the transition in visual languages through pieces by Joaquín Sorolla, whose light-filled paintings capture Iberian coastal scenes, and the forward-thinking works of Benjamín Palencia and Francisco Lozano. Regionalist approaches are represented by Sotomayor, while Vázquez Díaz provides glimpses into contemporary portraiture styles. The collection forms a bridge between tradition and innovation, inviting art lovers to appreciate creativity in all its evolving forms.

Experience the Gabinete de Goya

Your visit also grants access to the Gabinete de Goya at the Calcografía Nacional. Here, discover the genius of Goya through his graphic works and prints, offering intimate insights into his techniques and vision. This special exhibition adds another layer to your museum experience, allowing you to witness the breadth of Spain’s artistic contribution.

Plan Your Artistic Escape

The museum is thoughtfully designed to welcome visitors of all backgrounds. Whether you are passionate about art history or simply seeking inspiration, the permanent collection provides an enriching and visually stunning environment. The Academy’s central Madrid location ensures easy access, and the museum’s layout helps you explore at your own pace, from ancient sculptures to modern masterpieces.

Book your Museum of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando: Permanent Collection tickets now!