The museum was founded by artists and sponsors of the civil society and was officially instituted on October 8, 1984 as a non-profit organization.

After its incorporation, the Museum offered its services in public spaces like Plaza Las Américas and amongst offices of known contributors.

In 1988, the University of the Sacred Heart granted the museum a provisional home free of charge at the Magdalena Sofía Barat building.

After 15 years, the museum officially petitioned the government to grant them the Labra Historical Building in Santurce.

It was built in 1916 as part of a project from the Paul G. Miller Commission for the construction of public schools in urban zones.