Constructed in the thirteenth century, this vast Cistercian inspired structure, has belonged to the Diocese of Paris since 2001. The latter were eager to transform the college into a place of exchange and encounters, but also a site of teaching and research.

During the French Revolution the Collège des Bernardins was sold off as a state property. Having become a prison for convicts, it was later relegated for storage. Next, it briefly served once again as a school run by the Christian Brothers, before becoming, in 1845 and until very recently, a fire station, then a boarding school for the Police Academy. This last occupation of the premises meant that the site was maintained and respected.

Renovations began in 2008, with much research going towards restoring the original architectural features. Indeed, the ground floor alone has more than 32 pillars supporting the 51 vaulted arches.