Founded in 1818, the Academia de Bellas Artes San Alejandro is an art school in Marianao and the oldest arts academy in Latin America. Its well-preserved Art Deco building gives a visit an architectural focus, while classes bring the school’s creative life into view. The academy has educated generations of Cuban artists. In the 1920s, some of its painters and sculptors formed the Vanguardia, an avant-garde movement that moved away from conventional landscape subjects.
The academy and the Vanguardia
San Alejandro’s influence reached beyond its classrooms. In the 1920s, a group of its painters and sculptors formed the Vanguardia, an avant-garde movement that rejected the era’s preference for ordinary landscape subjects. The group developed a new direction for Cuban painting and sculpture.
The academy has trained generations of artists since its founding. A visit can give you a sense of the institution’s continuing role as a place to study art, as well as a chance to see the building that houses it.
Preguntas frecuentes
When was the Academia de Bellas Artes San Alejandro founded?
The academy was founded in 1818.
What is notable about the academy building?
Its current building has well-preserved Art Deco architecture.
When is a good time to visit?
Go on a weekday while classes are in session to experience the school’s artistic activity.
