The museum was founded in 1998 and occupies the buildings of what was once the San Juan de Dios Hospital..The buildings were designated as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site and were restored in 1995 using the same materials as the original buildings to repair damaged areas. Ancient stone Doric columns, stone doorways and stone coverings in the patios are a highlight of the architecture. The museum chronicles the history of Quito, along with 400 years of the history of the hospital.