The headquarters where the Museum of Modern Art of Cartagena de Indias operates is made up of two buildings: one built in the second half of the 17th century, by the Spanish Crown so that the first Customs Office of the Port of Cartagena de Indias would function there. The second was built at the end of the 19th century as an extension of the cellars located there.

In 1975 the Weapons Room was established, years later it became a workshop where the assemblies and artillery pieces were repaired and built. It received the name of Casa de Armas, a place where the surplus weapons of the war cruisers and the Garrison Regiment were kept.

The Museum of Modern Art of Cartagena de Indias is a cultural institution and has been operating since 1979.