The Academy of Fine Arts in Naples is one of the oldest and most prestigious in Italy.
It was founded by Charles of Bourbon in 1752 with the specific aim of educating young aspiring artists and, until a few decades ago, was the only academy in southern peninsular Italy.
The Academy of Fine Arts in Naples therefore has constituted a fundamental place for the study of the arts in Naples and southern Italy since the mid-18th century to the present day.
Amidst ups and downs, which have nonetheless seen it play a leading role in the artistic history of the south, it has always been a hub for different realities and a place for debate on the arts.
Not only have entire generations of southern and Italian artists been trained in it, but famous foreign masters and teachers have worked here, creating the European climate that still characterises our institution today through a dense network of relations and cultural exchanges.
Today, the Academies in Italy are being refounded in order to comply with the new reform law (Law 508/1999), enacted to adapt the organisation of studies and the value of the degree to European standards: the Academies, peculiar places full of exceptional potential, are essential for in-depth artistic training and the reform has finally recognised the university level of the Fine Arts Academies in Italy, which issue diplomas equal to Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees.