As a separate institution it was founded in 1844 in Congress Poland.

In an upgrade in 1904 it was named the Warsaw School of Fine Arts; and in 1932 it received recognition as an Academy.

At first the institute did not have its own building and classes were held in several locations around the city.

Following an architectural competition a design by Alfons Gravier was chosen and construction began in 1911.

The building was completed by the outbreak of the First World War.