Silpakorn University (SU.) is the first arts university and one of the oldest universities in Thailand. Originally renowned for its excellence in fine arts, design, architecture, archaeology, and music, the university has since expanded its academic offerings to encompass all major disciplines. The university was founded in Bangkok in 1943 by Tuscan–born art professor Corrado Feroci, who took the Thai name Silpa Bhirasri when he became a Thai citizen. It began as a fine arts university and now includes many other faculties as well. In 2016, it has 25,210 students.