Welcome to the web of the Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts of Barcelona
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The Royal Academy of Science and Arts of Barcelona was established on 18 January 1764 as a private literary society under the name of the Experimental Physio-mathematical Council. By virtue of the granting of the “Royal Decree” of 17 December 1765 it became the Royal Council of Physics, a public consulting body for the king for matters relating to the Principality of Catalonia. By “Royal Decree”on 14 October 1770 it changed its name to the Royal Academy of Natural Sciences and Arts of Barcelona until the “Royal Command” of 7 December 1887 which determined its present name.
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The Royal Academy of Science and Arts of Barcelona is situated in the art nouveau building, by architect and Academy member, Josep Doménech i Estapa, inaugurated in 1894. It forms part of the patrimony of the Academy of the Fabra Observatory, also by Josep Doménech i Estapa, donated by Camil Fabra i Fontanils, Marquis of Alella in Camí del Observatori s/n (08035, Barcelona). The Observatory has functioned uninterruptedly since its inauguration in 1904. The patrimony of the Academy, the Library and the Archive is completed by the collection of antique instruments, the watch collection, the functioning astronomical, meteorological, seismological equipment and chronometers, as well as the seismological installation of Fontmartina al Montseny, on land of the County Council of Barcelona.
The Archive and the Library of the Academy comprise a reference resource of great historic value, which spans almost three centuries. The library, with more than a hundred thousand volumes, is one of the most important in the country for reference material relating to the second half of the 18th Century.
In accordance with the Founding Statutes, the Academy of the Sciences and Arts of Barcelona is an association of investigators of science and its applications; membership to which is limited by number and through nomination. The aim of which is to act as a promoter and point of reference in the cultural arena and for catalan society in all that is relevant to the Applied Arts.
Last update 12/03/2010