The link between the Paseo del Prado and the Buen Retiro and the Arts and Sciences since the 18th century has brought scientific knowledge and an appreciation of art to all citizens. In the 19th century, with the establishment of the Royal Spanish Academy, which is also the headquarters of the Association of Spanish Language Academies from around the world, a universal symbol of culture, the Spanish language, was incorporated into this privileged area. Numerous cultural centres thrived alongside it, thus combining science and culture as a beacon of knowledge.