The École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, located across the Seine from the Musée du Louvre in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, is heir to the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture, founded in the 17th century by Louis XIV. History, long preserved state art collections and contemporary artistic creation come together in this institution, which occupies an essential place on the world stage of art and culture. The École is overseen by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication. Its first mission is to educate and train students planning to devote themselves to high-level artistic creation.