The Academy of Fine Arts, Prague (Czech: Akademie výtvarných umění v Praze; AVU) is an art college in Prague, Czech Republic. Founded in 1799, it is the oldest art college in the country. The school offers twelve master's degree programs and one doctoral program.
Starting in the early 18th century a series of organizations were formed in Prague with an interest in promoting art and education. Thanks in part to their efforts, the Academy of Fine Arts was founded by Imperial Decree on September 10, 1799. It began with instruction in drawing. The academy was gradually expanded to include programs in architecture, painting, printmaking, and sculpture, among others. In 1990 drastic reforms were undertaken by rector Milan Knížák to reorganize the concept and internal structure of the school. By 1991 new media related study programs including film and computer animation were added.
Today the academy is an accredited university offering an education in modern and historic art. As an exclusively graduate school there are no student accommodation or on-campus eating facilities. International programs are offered in Czech, with a limited number of classes offered in English.
Departments Current departments include:
Painting Drawing and Printmaking Sculpture Intermedia Studies New Media Restoration of Artworks Architecture
Type Public Established 1799; 222 years ago Rector Tomáš Vaněk Administrative staff 75 (58 academic staff and 16 researchers) Students 294 Doctoral students 8 Location Prague, Czech Republic 50°6′9.95″N 14°25′28.48″E Website http://www.avu.cz/en/
