[2][3] The Former State Treasury Building is located on the Praça da República, a broad public square and the original center of colonial Portuguese power.

It is in close proximity to other historic buildings of varying time of construction and style: the Neo-classical Palace of Instruction (Palaçio da Instrução, 1913); the Vargas-era Art Deco Brazilian Post and Telegraph Agency (1937); and the modernist Cathedral Basilica of Cuiabá (1973) and the high-rise Palácio do Comércio (1975).

The structure underwent a significant renovation that was completed in December 2006, and became the home of the Mato Grosso Historical Museum.

The style was introduced to Brazil by King John VI of Portugal (1816–26) in 1816 with the invitation of a group of French architects, notably Grandjean de Montigny (1776-1850).

All major government and education buildings were built in the style from its introduction in Rio de Janeiro to the early 20th century.

A Neoclassical façade and exterior walls were built around the Headquarters of the 1st Battalion of Military Police of Mato Grosso; it is also found in smaller examples, such as the Fountain of Mundéu.