[2] Housed in an art nouveau style building built in 1911 by the architect Alfredo Jones Brown,[3][4] the institute has educated a wide range of notable alumni, including presidents and vice presidents.

[5] The creation of the institute is part of the educational reform carried out by José Pedro Varela since the 1880s.

[6] In 1903, while Claudio Williman served as rector of the University of the Republic, the institution was awarded a property in the Cordón barrio, where the headquarters of the Faculty of Secondary Education (current IAVA) and the Faculty of Law (which would also serve as the university's headquarters) would later be built.

[8] In 1940 the IAVA stopped providing the basic cycle of secondary education, becoming a college-preparatory school, proving only the diversified baccalaureate.

[11] While the works were carried out, part of the institute's normal operations was moved to a neighboring building located on 18 de Julio Avenue.