It now serves as the Archive of the State (Archivio di Stato), and is located at 10 Via Senato.

Construction of the palace was begun in 1608 by cardinal Federico Borromeo, who wished to erect a Swiss seminary college (Collegio Elvetico); the site held ruins of ancient convent of Umiliate nuns.

Design of the project was initially assigned to Fabio Mangone, but completed by Francesco Maria Richini.

[1] The latter architect solved the problem of the disparate registers of the collegio and the adjacent church, with a convex façade.

In 1805 to 1814, when Milan was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, the palace served as the Senate house.