The hospital was one of several built following the second cholera pandemic, which had reached Paris in 1832, and which led to a new emphasis on hygienic practices in hospitals. It was built from 1846 to 1853 under architect Pierre Gauthier, with six buildings arranged around a central courtyard, connected by colonnaded walkways. The grounds include the funeral monument, by Carlo Marochetti, of Élisa de Lariboisière [fr], who donated a large portion of the funds for the hospital's construction.
