Museo de la Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando
Museo de la Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando
Museo de la Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando
4.5
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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Address
Neighborhood: Sol
How to get there
- Sevilla • 2 min walk
- Gran Vía • 4 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
477 reviews
Excellent
269
Very good
154
Average
45
Poor
2
Terrible
7
BradJill
Hong Kong, China159,119 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
The Royal Academy of Fine Arts (€8 per person) near Puerto del Sol is a much overlooked art museum where you can view a large number of masterpieces by the same artists which fill the gallery rooms of Madrid's world famous museums, Prado and Thyssen. Opening hours are 10-3pm (Tues - Sun) but closed on Mondays.
First and foremost this is an art academy which has seen the likes of Goya, Dali and Picasso spend time during centuries past. Yet it is also a very good museum, boasting a fine collection of masterpieces which mainly focus on 15th to 20 century works. You can see paintings by Spanish and European Old Masters such as Bellini, Arcimboldo, Raphael, Titian, Reni, Rubens, Van Dyck, Picasso, Dali, El Greco, Ribera and Velazquez amongst many others.
A major difference in visiting the Royal Academy of Fine Art is that far fewer visitors pass through its doors compared to the likes of Prado and Thyssen Museums, which receive many thousands of visitors daily. Here you are just as likely to have an entire gallery room to yourself, meaning more relaxed and peaceful visits and art viewing conditions. Photography is allowed with the museum as well.
Highlights that I most enjoyed seeing during a recent visit include the delightful Spring (1563) by Guisepi Arcimboldo as well as Ribera's excellent painting of St. Jerome (1652), which rivals his many other masterpieces of this subject matter. Many more impressive works are on display, including sculptures of a classical up to contemporary styles.
In the end, Real Academia de Bellas Artes is a very good art museum in Madrid. However, I would still recommend visits to Prado first for all fans of art. Thyssen is the second best choice for those with more interest in fine art. Next would be Real Academia de Bellas Artes, a place which will be appealing to art connoisseurs and/or anyone who has spent enough time at Prado and Thyssen during past visits. This is a very good third option for viewing historic masterpieces in Madrid.
First and foremost this is an art academy which has seen the likes of Goya, Dali and Picasso spend time during centuries past. Yet it is also a very good museum, boasting a fine collection of masterpieces which mainly focus on 15th to 20 century works. You can see paintings by Spanish and European Old Masters such as Bellini, Arcimboldo, Raphael, Titian, Reni, Rubens, Van Dyck, Picasso, Dali, El Greco, Ribera and Velazquez amongst many others.
A major difference in visiting the Royal Academy of Fine Art is that far fewer visitors pass through its doors compared to the likes of Prado and Thyssen Museums, which receive many thousands of visitors daily. Here you are just as likely to have an entire gallery room to yourself, meaning more relaxed and peaceful visits and art viewing conditions. Photography is allowed with the museum as well.
Highlights that I most enjoyed seeing during a recent visit include the delightful Spring (1563) by Guisepi Arcimboldo as well as Ribera's excellent painting of St. Jerome (1652), which rivals his many other masterpieces of this subject matter. Many more impressive works are on display, including sculptures of a classical up to contemporary styles.
In the end, Real Academia de Bellas Artes is a very good art museum in Madrid. However, I would still recommend visits to Prado first for all fans of art. Thyssen is the second best choice for those with more interest in fine art. Next would be Real Academia de Bellas Artes, a place which will be appealing to art connoisseurs and/or anyone who has spent enough time at Prado and Thyssen during past visits. This is a very good third option for viewing historic masterpieces in Madrid.
Written August 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gillfluff
Leeds, UK260 contributions
May 2019 • Business
What a find! Sheltering behind its more famous ‘big brothers’ (Prado, Thyssen and Sophia) this delightful little gallery (actually a private academy) is 200m from Puerto del Sol and comparatively hard to find. Most guidebooks don’t feature this place, perhaps there is just too much art in Madrid, but to a genuine renaissance art affectionado this rates as equal to the more famous galleries just along the road. Must see - a fantastic collection of Murillo, Rubens, Tintoretto, Cano and Ribera. Star of the show (of course) is the Archimbolo ‘Spring’ - one of the few outside of Italy and worth the air fare to Madrid on its own. My highlight, mainly because it was an unexpected ‘shock’ - was coming face to face with Amigoni’s portrait of Faranelli! I could have wept.
For the sake of your sanity, start in the first floor and keep away from the modern ‘art’ below (there are many works on the ground floor by modern Spanish artists - members of the academy, such as Picasso)
The academy is set up for visitors, but clearly doesn’t get the crowds who wait for hours outside the Prado. Give yourself two hours here - no shop, no cafe but wonderful art.
For the sake of your sanity, start in the first floor and keep away from the modern ‘art’ below (there are many works on the ground floor by modern Spanish artists - members of the academy, such as Picasso)
The academy is set up for visitors, but clearly doesn’t get the crowds who wait for hours outside the Prado. Give yourself two hours here - no shop, no cafe but wonderful art.
Written May 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerard_S77
Dublin, Ireland3,897 contributions
Sep 2017 • Solo
This is the collection of the arts academy in Madrid. It has a number of paintings by Goya, Zubaran, Arcimboldo, etc. that make it worth the visit. Goya is well represented being a former pupil. They also have his etching plates. Their collection is also contemporary. It is also interspersed with some other art works like Chinese jades, pottery, etc.
You can get a good overview of Spanish painting without the queues of the Prado to get in.
You can get a good overview of Spanish painting without the queues of the Prado to get in.
Written January 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard de G
Weybridge, UK756 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
Not so well known as the Prado, so you won't find hordes of chavs ticking off their bucket list here without any appreciation of what's within. Just tranquil galleries, polite staff and a few people enjoying the art.
Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando is a real gem and should not be missed, likewise it's excellent value for money.
If you appreciate Art 🎨 then this is a must visit in Madrid.
Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando is a real gem and should not be missed, likewise it's excellent value for money.
If you appreciate Art 🎨 then this is a must visit in Madrid.
Written April 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda R
St. Petersburg, FL10 contributions
Sep 2017
Can I admit I enjoyed it more than the Prado? An opportunity to learn about Goya and others in a more intimate setting. The museum staff were personable and helpful. I strongly recommend.
Written September 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda C
Moorpark, CA1,068 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
We loved every minute spent in this lovely museum that features two full rooms of Goya paintings and drawings and letters. The museum is well laid out, quiet, and full of beautiful art with works by Cano, Zurbaran, Titian, Rubens, Murillo, Rivera, Bassano, Van Dyck, El Greco, Sorolla, etc. If you're only familiar with Goya's dark paintings, you'll be surprised to see his beautiful earlier pieces that show what an incredible artist he was. Elevator available upon request. Photos without flash allowed.
Written September 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
suzziej
Melbourne, Australia229 contributions
Oct 2015 • Solo
This museum is free on Wednesdays & free every day to uni students, those under 18 years & over 65 years (proof required).
There are 3 floors & you need 2.5 hours to properly appreciate the collection. Works by Goya, Tintoretto, Rubens, Murillo, Braque & Picasso are the highlights. The works are mostly accompanied by descriptions in Spanish & English, though there are some inexplicable lapses. Several works are currently out on loan to other museums.
There are lots of comfortable seats for those with tired legs & feet.
There are 3 floors & you need 2.5 hours to properly appreciate the collection. Works by Goya, Tintoretto, Rubens, Murillo, Braque & Picasso are the highlights. The works are mostly accompanied by descriptions in Spanish & English, though there are some inexplicable lapses. Several works are currently out on loan to other museums.
There are lots of comfortable seats for those with tired legs & feet.
Written October 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Armini
St. Petersburg, Russia82 contributions
Jan 2013 • Business
For me it was clearly the third art gallery in Madrid, after Thyssen Bornemisza and Prado. Predictably, it mostly accomodates Spanish art (well, also some occasional Italian, Flemish, Dutch and French works, a few of them quite important). According to its origin and purpose, the collection is EXTREMELY uneven, and many parts of it could only be interesting to experts, and most dedicated art freaks.
On the other hand, this museum proudly displays van Reymerswaele, Giovanni Bellini, Morales, El Greco, Ribera, Zurbaran, Murillo, among others, and, above all, two or three rooms of Goya, which in themselves make a visit to this museum an ABSOLUTE MUST to anyone seriously interested in art.
Otherwise, I was not impressed by the Spanish art of the XVIII and XIX centuries. But towards the beginning of the XX century, it became quite ingenious again. Spanish symbolism is most challenging and suggestive. What I haven't expected, is that the collection of MODERN Spanish art, featuring Gris, Dali, and some very cute living painters, would be WAY ABOVE the similar collection at the Museo Reina Sofia.
As side attractions, the Academy houses some other fancy objects, such as extremely crafty wax reliefs. You should go there in the morning, since the museum closes rather early. One day a week (was it Tuesday?), the entrance is free. Unfortunately, some of the rooms are unpredictably closed, due to the shortage of custodians, I guess. But if you insist with the available ones, they accompany you inside.
On the other hand, this museum proudly displays van Reymerswaele, Giovanni Bellini, Morales, El Greco, Ribera, Zurbaran, Murillo, among others, and, above all, two or three rooms of Goya, which in themselves make a visit to this museum an ABSOLUTE MUST to anyone seriously interested in art.
Otherwise, I was not impressed by the Spanish art of the XVIII and XIX centuries. But towards the beginning of the XX century, it became quite ingenious again. Spanish symbolism is most challenging and suggestive. What I haven't expected, is that the collection of MODERN Spanish art, featuring Gris, Dali, and some very cute living painters, would be WAY ABOVE the similar collection at the Museo Reina Sofia.
As side attractions, the Academy houses some other fancy objects, such as extremely crafty wax reliefs. You should go there in the morning, since the museum closes rather early. One day a week (was it Tuesday?), the entrance is free. Unfortunately, some of the rooms are unpredictably closed, due to the shortage of custodians, I guess. But if you insist with the available ones, they accompany you inside.
Written April 19, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SPAINDOCTOR
Madrid, Spain5,575 contributions
Jul 2020 • Solo
This is a nice museum in calle Alcala
Including the other version of Agnus Dei of the prado museum the difference are the horns
Including the other version of Agnus Dei of the prado museum the difference are the horns
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RUMBOAORIENTE
Madrid, Spain76 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
Small museum at the Academia. Brilliant paintings and superb guided tours. Permanent collection is magnificent
Written April 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maribe G
Madrid, Spain33 contributions
Por la tarde hasta que hora está abierta la exposición de flores
Pedro P
Madrid, Spain617 contributions
Exposición “Paisaje y flores, Renovación del dibujo académico en el siglo XIX”, en la Calcografía Nacional del 23 de marzo de 2019 al 22 de mayo de 2019.
Horario: Martes a sábado: 10 a 14 y 17 a 20 h. Domingos y festivos: 10 a 14 h. Cerrado: lunes y 1 de mayo
Entrada gratuita
Aya E
Cluj-Napoca, Romania4 contributions
Is it free on wednesdays ? And how much does it coast for students ? Thank you.
BennyMalaga
Malaga, Spain89,775 contributions
Yes, this museum is free on Wednesdays.
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- Hotels near Museo de la Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando:
- (0.03 mi) Hotel Regina
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- (0.04 mi) Four Seasons Hotel Madrid
- (0.06 mi) Petit Palace Alcala
- (0.10 mi) Vincci Centrum
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- (0.03 mi) Le Petit Dim Sum
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