At the urging of Bishop Jean-Marie Odin and with help from Father Claude Dubuis, seven French Ursuline nuns opened San Antonio's first school for girls here in 1851. The original academy building, designed by architect François Giraud, was later joined by other buildings as the academy expanded. Constructed between 1851 and 1883, the historic structures show a combination of French, Gothic Revival and vernacular influences. After Ursuline Academy moved from this site in 1965, the complex was rehabilitated for use as an art school and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1962