National Academy of Design

Formerly known as The National Academy of Museum and School of Fine Art in 1997, the museum was founded in New York City in 1825 and is the real successor of the American Academy of Fine Arts. It was founded by Samuel Morse, Asher Durand, Thomas Cole, Martin E. Thompson, Charles Crushing Wright, Ithiel Town, and other students of the American Academy of Fine Arts “to promote the fine arts in America through instruction and exhibition.”

Membership in their vibrant community is limited to 450 artists and architects based on recognized excellence and extraordinary contributions to art. The National Academy of Design holds one of the most significant collections of American art in the world. With nearly 8,000 works of art in the museum which surprisingly, has been assembled largely through donations. Within the museum’s collection is Thomas Hart Benton’s 1963, Self-Portrait, and the Sketch of Male Figure for Niagara Mural. 

Unfortunately, as of a 2019 report by The Architect’s Newspaper, the 200-year old National Academy of Design has decided to permanently close its museum operations and has no plans of reopening its doors in the future for public viewing. 

Since the museum has been closed, these 2 works of art by Thomas Hart Benton are available for viewing online in their website:

• Self-Portrait, 1963

• Sketch of Male Figure for Niagara Mural, n.d.