The building of the Historical Museum, built in 1892 by the famous architect of the XIX century Jose Viera, located next to the Plaza de Armas in the center of La Serena. Construction of two-storey house with a projecting cornice of adobe, was conducted at the site, which is owned by the city founder Francisco de Agira. The architectural style of the building - eclectic.

The museum is named in honor of the former president of Chile, Gabriel González Videla, who was born in La Serena and has given the city a second life through the creation of urban renewal plan of the city.

From 1927 to 1973 this building lived the family of President Gonzalez. In 1977, the area with the property was bought by the municipality of La Serena. In 1981, it was announced that the building is a national monument of Chile. In 1984 he founded the Museum of History and Art La Serena to pay tribute to the former president, as well as for the study, preservation and display of his works.

The museum collection consists of 3500 exhibits, distributed on two topics: the history and the fine arts.

In the history of the exposition put everything that surrounded President Gabriel Gonzalez Videla in his life: furniture, documents, family photos, videos, awards, the layout of its architectural plan in La Serena. It is also widely covered regional history: Houseware people in the region of Coquimbo and La Serena. Costumes XIX and XX centuries, sculptures from the island of Rapa Nui (culture moai), pictures on a religious theme, metal and clay.

In the Fine Art Gallery exhibited, presented by Oscar Praguerom divided into two exhibitions. On the second floor temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists, as well as the permanent collections, including works by Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.

Also includes books written by local authors, which tell about the history and culture of the region, which can be purchased by visitors of the museum. Training seminars related to cultural heritage.