The Accademia is an active cultural institution of great prestige, and one of the seven national academies. Of sixteenth century origin, it was equipped with a fine library still open to the public. 

Designed by Piermarini and built by Paolo Pozzo, the palazzo also comprises Antonio Galli Bibiena's famous Teatro Scientifico. The theatre was inaugurated by Mozart and was once the Aula Magna of the Institution. The Accademy also houses an important collection of eighteenth century surgical instruments.