The Royal Swedish Academy of Arts, also known as the Royal Academy, is a college in Stockholm. It was founded in 1773 by the Swedish king Gustav III. It promotes the development of fine arts, mainly painting, sculpture, architecture, among others, through temporary exhibitions organized here.
In 1735 Carl Gustaf Tessin founded a drawing school in Stockholm Castle and named it the Royal Academy of Drawing, following the example of French initiatives. Swedish art celebrities, including Guillaume Taraval, have lectured here. The small school was expanded over the years, until in 1773 King Gustav III wrote down the first statutes for an academic organization.
The Academy is housed in an 18th-century historic building, designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Elder, author of many designs, including for Gothenburg City Hall. The building has undergone numerous alterations since its inception, the present appearance of the building is due to the architect Erik Lallerstedt.