The Julian Academy was founded in 1868, although some sources indicate 1873. Its creator, Rodolfo Julian, although not distinguished by outstanding artistic abilities, proved to be a talented administrator. From the very beginning, well-known artists taught at the Academy, many of whom also worked at the School of Fine Arts. Julian managed to attract four members of the jury of the Paris Salon as instructors: William Bouguereau, Tony Robert-Fleury, Jules Lefebvre, and Gustave Boulanger. Training at the Julian Academy could serve as a preparatory stage for admission to the School of Fine Arts, and its popularity was aided by the opportunity for students to participate in the competition for the Roman Prize.

No entrance exams were required for admission to the Academy, and it accepted both professional artists and amateurs. The Academy operated from 8 AM until late evening. Over time, it established several branches, and by 1880, about 600 people were studying there. Julian's success was explained by the fact that aspiring artists who were not accepted into the School of Fine Arts could learn from its teachers at the Academy. The instructors, being members of the Salon jury, ensured that their students' works were admitted to exhibitions. Students annually re-elected their teachers to the Salon jury and took pride in studying under famous artists and exhibiting at the Salon. The Academy had no strict schedule or discipline, and professors were sometimes treated with insufficient respect. Some students even demonstratively turned their paintings away when a professor approached them. Teachers often gave contradictory advice.

Until 1897, women could not study at the School of Fine Arts, but the Julian Academy accepted them, providing a unique opportunity for artistic education. Among the female students was Maria Bashkirtseva, who left memories of the Academy in her 'Diary.' The Academy was popular among French and foreign students.

Among the Russians and those from the Russian Empire who studied at the Academy were Maria Bashkirtseva, Alexander Altmann, Yuri Yeryomin, Anna Bilinskaya, Yakov Kruger, Anton Krasnopolsky, Ivan Kopylov, Pyotr Konchalovsky, Akop Gyurdzhyan, Gleb Deryuzhinsky, Ivan Puni, and Lev Bakst.

In 1968, the Julian Academy became part of the Higher School of Fine Arts 'Penninghen.' The school continues the traditions of the Academy, inviting outstanding teachers and attracting students from all over the world.