San Carlos Academy

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In the heart of Mexico City stands one of the country’s most important artistic landmarks — the San Carlos Academy, now home to the Faculty of Fine Arts of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Beyond being an academic space, this historic building shelters a public gallery and a peaceful sculpture courtyard where centuries of creativity seem to echo through every archway.

Founded in 1783 as the Royal Academy of San Carlos of the Noble Arts of New Spain, the institution traces its roots to 1778, when Jerónimo Antonio Gil arrived from Spain to teach engraving to the artisans of the Mint. Realizing the need for a broader artistic education, Gil soon petitioned both the Mint and the Crown to establish a formal academy.

Interestingly, the building itself was originally the Hospital Amor de Dios, which closed before the Academy took over in 1791. Gil began transforming the hospital into an art school — a vision that took shape under the direction of Manuel Tolsá, who arrived the same year. Tolsá not only taught sculpture but also brought plaster casts and art materials from Europe, forming the first core of the Academy’s art collection.

The Italian Renaissance-style façade that defines the Academy today was designed in 1852 by Javier Cavallari, featuring six medallions. Four honor key figures in its foundation — King Charles III of Spain, José Bernardo Couto, Antonio Gil, and Fernando José Manguino — while the remaining two depict Michelangelo and Raphael, celebrating the great Italian masters who inspired its ideals. Cavallari also completed the courtyard, lecture hall, and art galleries. Later, in 1913, a stunning Art Nouveau glass dome crafted by the Parisian firm L. Lapeyrer was added, bathing the courtyard in natural light.

As the first major art school and fine arts museum in the Americas, the Academy of San Carlos played a pivotal role in shaping Mexico’s independent artistic identity. It became part of UNAM in the early 20th century, now forming the Department of Arts and Design. Although most undergraduate programs have moved to other campuses, the original building continues to host graduate-level fine arts courses.

Part of its original art collection was later transferred to the National Museum of San Carlos, while another portion remains under the Academy’s care in the University Museum of the Academy.