The society has played a significant role in the development of the careers of many Portuguese painters, sculptors, architects, and visual artists.

[1][3] Its building was designed by Álvaro Augusto Machado  [pt] in 1906, and was officially opened in 1913 at Rua Barata Salgueiro 36, in Lisbon.

The state paid for its construction and, in return, the SNBA agreed to collaborate with the government and to provide one work of art every year.

[4][5] The SNBA did not just attract artists: by 1920, it also had many non-artist members, such as business people, musicians, poets, and art enthusiasts.

[3] In the 1920s a "new generation" of more modern artists emerged but found their entry into the society barred by the then president, the architect Adães Bermudes  [pt].

Artists to exhibit included Francisco Smith [pt], Clementina Carneiro de Moura, and Sarah Affonso.

The artistic works presented at these exhibitions included messages combating illiteracy, and those calling for people to register and vote.

Artists contributing to various EGAPs included Júlio Pomar, Mário Dionísio, Álvaro Perdigão, Maria Keil, Francisco Keil do Amaral, Marcelino Vespeira, José Dias Coelho, Maria Barreira, Carneiro de Moura and her son, João Abel Manta, Carlos Botelho, Bartolomeu Cid dos Santos, and Lourdes Castro.

[3][7] In 1959, the exhibition "50 Independent Artists" was held, featuring Conceição Silva, Fernando Azevedo, João Abel Manta, Jorge Vieira, and Júlio Pomar.

[3] In 1965, a small Gallery of Modern Art was created in the basement, giving an exhibition space for artists such as Paula Rego, Helena Almeida, Maria Velez, and Graça Morais.