Willem de Kooning was born in north Rotterdam and graduated in decoration art (now styling).

Zwart designed stamps, print advertising, books, interiors, furniture (including the Bruynzeel kitchen) in the 1920s and also spent time photographing and painting.

The academy is proud of de Kooning and Zwart, two artists far ahead of their time, who inspire both students and faculty.

It was located in a building at the Coolvest, now Coolsingel, and headed by Jan Hendrik van de Laar (1807–1874).

The academy also offers a Double Degree programme titled RASL in conjunction with the Eramus University Rotterdam (EUR).

The Willem de Kooning Academy is located at Blaak 10 and Wijnhaven 61, two adherent buildings connected with an airbridge.

Due to expansion and increase of students enrolling, the adherent Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences' building behind Wijnhaven 61) became entirely occupied by the academy in September 2007.

Stations are not the "property" of any particular major, minor or practice, but are a meeting place for students and teachers across subjects and years.