Founded in 1648 in France, the Ecole des Beaux-Arts was composed of several academies that trained students in a range of fine arts, including architecture and painting. The school emphasized a stylistic adherence to classical standards drawn from Greek and Roman work and artifacts. In the 20th century, the school changed its name to École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts. In the 21st century, the school has upgraded its curriculum to include courses on digital photography and other relatively new art forms. The institution also maintains an unparalleled collection of artworks that feature illustrated classical themes from the work of Homer.
The 21st-century version of the National Arts School in Australia emphasizes study on practical visual arts, including ceramics, sculpture and printmaking. The origins of the National Art School date back to the 19th century, although the physical campus was not established until 1922. Prior to this, the founders of the school had lodged in the School of Arts building in the Sydney Mechanic's School of Arts, where the school focused on courses related to technical drawing.
Located in the Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, the Art Institute was founded in 1871. Students at the institute have the opportunity to attend lectures given by globally recognized art world figures and also show their work in quarterly exhibitions staged by the institute, both on campus and in select galleries in the surrounding city. In addition to physical studio classes, the institute offers degrees in art history and museum studies.
Much like the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, the Art Institute of Chicago maintains a separate museum from the school, featuring works of art from Alexander Calder, Caravaggio, Picasso, Matisse and a slew of other acclaimed artists. Founded in 1866, the institution was initially called the Chicago Academy of Design. Students at the school can choose from courses in video, ceramics, fashion design, writing, sound and dozens of other specialty fields. The school emphasizes an integrated studio/lecture approach. Established artists frequently give lectures or teach courses at the institute.