Penninghen

Penninghen (ESAG Penninghen) is a private Parisian art school located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, on rue du Dragon. It is the heir of the Académie Julian, an artistic teaching studio founded in the 19th century, whose lineage and drawing culture it claims.

Programs

The school is best known for two long programs leading to master's level: art direction (visual identity, typography, publishing, image, communication, digital design) and interior architecture (space, scenography, object design, materials, project representation).

Upstream, Penninghen offers a preparatory year known for being demanding, heavily focused on observational drawing, perspective, colour, composition, and artistic culture. This prep year serves as a common foundation and a selection step for entry into the specialized programs; some students also use it to prepare for entrance exams to other schools.

Strengths

• A studio-based pedagogy grounded in intensive practice of drawing and plastic expression, before specialization.
• A demanding work pace, with regular critiques and juries.
• Teaching largely provided by working professionals (art directors, graphic designers, interior architects, designers).
• Visible integration into Parisian circles of communication, publishing, luxury, and space design.

Good to know

A private school, admission is based on an application file and an entrance exam; tuition fees are those of a private institution, to be verified directly with the school.