Founded by the Jesuits in 1588, the "Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso" transformed into the First Preparatory School of New Spain.

It housed four seminaries: San Pedro y San Pablo, San Bernardo, San Miguel, and San Gregorio. 

In 1767, when the Jesuits were expelled from Mexico, the building was converted into the headquarters of the Battalion of the Regiment of Flanders, and later the temporary seat of the School of Jurisprudence. Throughout the 19th century, it served as a barracks for American and French troops until Benito Juárez turned it into a Preparatory School. In 1992, it was restored and inaugurated as a museum and art center.

It has two equal courtyards surrounded by semi-circular arcades on the ground floor. 

The facade is majestic, with cantera stone entrances showing churrigueresque features and high windows. 

It preserves valuable choir stalls that belonged to the Church of San Agustín. 

Its interior courtyards house murals by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco. In fact, it is said that the Mexican muralism movement began on its walls.

Its architecture and history are just some of its attractions. 

El Generalito is an assembly hall, and La Capilla is an exhibition hall where important works of art are constantly displayed.

It has an attractive crafts store.