The museum was conceived on 13 June 1844, by Royal Decree,[1] and inaugurated 19 May 1980, from the art collection owned by the former province of Oviedo.

It now depends on funding from the Culture Department of Asturias, and the City of Oviedo.

[citation needed] The fine arts collection includes up to 10,000 inventoried items, with 350–400 on public display at one time.

There are paintings by Spanish artists, highlighting those from Asturias, as well as those from foreign countries, such as Italian (like Umberto Pettinicchio) and Flemish painters.

Sculptures, photographs, glass objects, and earthenware are also part of the permanent collection.