Academy of Art University

Did Richard Stephens ever imagine his small art school would one day become a San Francisco landmark? Here we stand before the Academy of Art University, a testament to the power of dreams and a hub of creativity in this vibrant city. The Academy of Art University was founded in 1929. Originally named the Academy of Advertising Art, it started in a small space on Kearny Street. Richard Stephens, a painter and editor for Sunset Magazine, envisioned a place where artists could hone their skills and prepare for careers in the commercial art world. The Academy of Art University quickly outgrew its original location. It expanded over the years, eventually becoming one of the largest property owners in San Francisco. Its presence is woven into the fabric of the city, particularly in the South of Market district where its main campus resides on New Montgomery Street. The school even owns a fascinating vintage car collection, housed in the Academy of Art University Automobile Museum. The collection includes over 200 cars dating back to the 1920s. Imagine the stories these cars could tell. The Academy of Art University offers a wide range of programs, from traditional fine arts to cutting-edge digital media. It has educated thousands of artists and designers who have gone on to shape the creative landscape. Its alumni include notable names like Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Deanne Fitzmaurice and film director Vicky Jenson. The Academy of Art University isn’t just a school; it’s a community, a legacy, and a symbol of San Francisco’s artistic spirit.