Pontifical Academy of Fine Arts and Letters of the Virtuosi al Pantheon

The academy was founded as the “Congregation of Saint Joseph of the Holy Land” in 1542 under the auspices of the Cistercian monk, Desiderio d’Adiutorio and was recognized by Pope Paul III on October 15, 1542.

From its inception, the academy has counted among its members many important artists who have left their mark in Rome.

There are 50 “ordinary” virtuosi divided into five disciplines: architects, painters and film-makers, sculptors, academics dedicated to art and music, and poets and authors.

[2] The academy typically sponsors art exhibits, presentation of poetry and literature, discussions, and visits to historic sites in Rome.

The current premises of the academy are at Piazza della Cancelleria 1 in Vatican City in Rome.