Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten van Antwerpen

The Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp is the fourth oldest in Europe, after those in Rome, Paris and Florence. Before its establishment, artists such as painters, sculptors, architects and engravers learnt their art in the studios of master artists. The Academy was founded in 1663 by David Teniers the Younger, who was a court painter to Archduke Leopold William of Habsburg and Don Juan of Austria. As Master of the Guild of Saint Luke, Teniers was keen to revitalise painting in Antwerp. He requested a royal charter from King Philip IV of Spain, who ruled the Spanish Netherlands at the time, to establish an academy of fine arts in Antwerp. His plans came to fruition in 1664 with the foundation of the Antwerp Academy at the Stock Exchange. The institution's inauguration was marked by grand celebrations.

The first lessons were held on 26 October 1665. Every year, on Saint Luke’s Day, a lavish banquet was held. The 18th century was marked by the Academy’s removal from the authority of the deans of the painters’ guild in 1750. The French Revolution, which led to the reorganisation of institutions, spared the Antwerp Academy. The energy of the director, Guillaume Herreyns, ensured the continuity of the courses. The Academy’s headquarters were established in a convent building constructed in the 16th century by Franciscan monks. During the 19th century, the buildings were renovated, extended and restored. Under the reign of William I, who ruled the United Kingdom of the Netherlands which included what is now Belgium the institution was elevated to the rank of Royal Academy. In 1885, the Academy was expanded to include the National Higher Institute of Fine Arts, which provided students with individual studios where they worked under the guidance of renowned masters who taught them painting, wood and copper engraving, and sculpture. Aspiring architects have a separate section: the National Higher Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning. Tuition has remained free since 1663.

Moreover, the historic garden, a cherished part of the Academy’s legacy, has been designated a protected landscape since 1974. In 2021, it was revitalised and unveiled as the Academy Open Air exhibition space. This has enabled a dynamic interaction between nature and art to be created, providing a unique backdrop for exhibitions and installations. A notable feature of this outdoor space is the short passage famously traversed by Vincent van Gogh, adding a layer of historical significance and inspiration.

Today, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp is an esteemed international art academy widely considered to be one of the world's leading art education institutions. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a vibrant institution with its own unique identity, spirit, and central role within the national and international art community and higher art education landscape. The Academy offers a wide range of graduation programs: Costume Design, Fashion, Graphic Design, In Situ, Jewellery Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture as well as an Educational Master's programme. Its historic campus in Antwerp's city centre houses some 650 students from over 50 different nationalities annually.

Through its commitment to high-level artistic research and an action-packed cultural calendar, the Academy serves as a pivotal crossroads of thought and action, facilitating a harmonious blend of reflection and creativity, criticism and innovation. The academy encourages artistic experimentation and fosters collaborations that enhance the learning experience, leaving an indelible mark on both students and the wider community. In essence, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp is a vibrant cultural ecosystem where ideas flourish and talents are nurtured, shaping the future of art through the passionate engagement of its members. This creates a nurturing environment that celebrates creativity and instils a profound appreciation for the arts.