The French Academy in Rome - Villa Medici is a French artistic institution based in Rome. Conceived by decree in 1971 as an ideal meeting place for Italo-French encounters, Villa Medici plays a decisive role in Roman and European cultural life: it participates in cultural and artistic exchanges, organizes exhibitions, concerts, conferences, and seminars on topics related to the arts, letters, and their history.

The French Academy in Rome - Villa Medici was created in 1666 on the initiative of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Charles Le Brun, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini and welcomed both winners of the Prix de Rome and scholars supported by prominent French nobles. The young artists appointed by the king had the opportunity to enhance their training through contact with Rome and Italy.

Before finding its definitive location at Villa Medici in Rome in 1803, the French Academy in Rome had several locations.

In 1961, André Malraux appointed the painter Balthus as director of the Villa: the joint will of these two personalities allowed for a profound reform of the Academy. Balthus undertook a significant restoration of the building and organized events to open the Villa to the Romans. This new approach was ratified by a decree in 1971, which established autonomy from the Académie des Beaux Arts. The duration of the stay was reduced from four to a maximum of two years, and writers, filmmakers, photographers, set designers, art restorers, and art historians were added to the circle of scholars.

Today, the French Academy in Rome hosts artists and researchers in residence to allow them to pursue their research projects.

It also offers an interesting cultural program, organizing exhibitions, concerts, screenings, literary events, and conferences.

It is also responsible for preserving and promoting Villa Medici and its gardens.