Created in 1795, the Institut de France is "Protector of Arts, Literature and Sciences" and encompasses five Academies: "French" (1635); "Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres" (1663); "Sciences" (1666); "Fine Arts" (painting was included in 1816, sculpture in 1648 and architecture - established by Colbert - in 1671); and finally Moral and Political Sciences (established in 1795, suppressed in 1803 and re-established in 1832).
In addition to its roles as a patron and philanthropist, the Institut de France also promotes prestigious foundations: château de Chantilly, château de Langeais, musée Jacquemart-André, abbaye royale de Chaalis, villa grecque Kérylos, manoir de Kerazan, hôtel and bibliothèque Dosne-Thiers... The Institut de France takes part in the European heritage days.