This temple was built in the 17th century by the architect Cristóbal de Medina.

It belonged to the convent of San José, also known as the Temple of Santa Teresa La Antigua. 

Its facades are a fine example of Salomonic Baroque, and the rectangular window frames of the second level depict anagrams of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint Anne, and Saint Joachim.

Inside, a clear neoclassical style prevails, which is more austere.

In 1845, due to an earthquake, the dome was damaged, but it was rebuilt on a monumental scale by Lorenzo de la Hidalga in 1859. 

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz joined this convent, but due to her delicate health and the austerity of the order, she left to enter the former convent of San Jerónimo.

After the Reform Laws, the convent was closed and has since had various uses and undergone several renovations. It has served as a military barracks, a normal school for teachers, and a university. Its facilities have been workshops, warehouses, and concert halls. 

Since 1993, it has housed the Ex-Teresa Museum of Contemporary Art, for which architect Luis Vicente Flores has combined colonial and contemporary architecture. 

In 2018, it underwent another renovation and showcased an exhibition featuring 130 sound art works by various artists. The museum also regularly organizes workshops for the dissemination and education of modern art.

El museo además organiza periódicamente talleres de divulgación y formación relacionados con el arte moderno.