The Royal Academy Fine Arts of San Fernando was established in 1752, based in Madrid (Spain).

Its origins are associated with the Enlightenment. In 1744 he was a School Board in the rooms at the New Palace was the first sculptor of the King, Juan Domingo Olivieri, chief sponsor of their training. Olivieri maintained since 1741 an academy of sculpture in their rooms and files play the position of director general to create the new institution. Its first charter was approved in 1747, having priority in them the noble estate. The same year, Ferdinand VI, who had remained outside the building, named his personal sculptor, Felipe de Castro, recently returned from Italy, "special head teacher of sculpture at the Academy", so that the new institution and became dependent on the Crown. The official creation dates from April 12, 1752, being placed under the patronage of King Ferdinand VI, who called: Three Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando. In 1753 three Italian artists shared their address: Olivieri, Corrado Giaquinto and Juan Bautista Sachetti. The final constitution was adopted in 1757, entrusting the promotion and protection Academy of Arts. Its chief editor was Felipe de Castro, who removed the aristocratic character of the first charter, entrusting the management of the Academy artists.
At first the activities were based in Painting, Architecture, Sculpture and Engraving. Its purpose was to make art matter in terms of academic courses, surpassing the previous model of learning in the workshop. For this, the Academy would have "teachers" of various materials and models of all kinds, molds and works of art as men and women "rent." The building would be stimulated by awards and pensions of studies in Rome for most outstanding artists. In 1873 it received its current name and opened a new section of music.
Since 1757 the Academy conducted the study and issued the title of architect. In 1847 these studies were transferred to the Special Study of Architecture, which evolved to the present ETSAM.
They took out two reforms: the first (1987) extending to 51 the number of tenured academics and integrated television, photography, video and film to sculpture section, which was renamed the Section of Sculpture and Image Arts , the second reform (1996) raised to 52 the number of tenured academics.
Throughout its history the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid has occupied three different locations. Since the year 1773 is installed at the Palais de Goyeneche (Calle de Alcalá, 13), designed by architect José de Churriguera (1665-1725). The building was transformed by Diego de Villanueva (1715-1774), which eliminated the original design baroque, neoclassical adapted to the tastes of the moment. With the architect Fernando Chueca Goitia was conducted in 1972 a new remodeling.