Academy of San Carlos, located in the heart of the capital, is a Mexican National Academy of Arts. Initially it was known as the School of engravings and was built in 1781. Just two years later it was renamed the Spanish government to the Royal Academy of Arts noble San Carlos and serve the development of the art of painting, architecture and sculpture. The art collection of the Academy began with the original plaster casts of Greek, Roman and European works, which are now used as a teaching material for students. Among the works of European masters here are engravings dating from the 16th to the 19th century, brought from Spain, France, England, Italy, Germany and Holland.

In 1929, the Academy has been divided into two schools - National School of sculpture and architecture school. The latter was given to the Office of the National University of Mexico. For the school of sculpture was confirmed the name "Academy of San Carlos." It is the first institution of higher art schools of America and, in addition, the first art museum.

Within its walls he received his art education many eminent creators, including Rufino Tamayo, Jose Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro and others. In 2007, the Academy received education about six thousand students.

The university keeps a rich collection of works of art. In addition to sculptures, paintings and photographs, there is a numismatic cabinet with a rich collection of coins.