Before World War II, the palace served as the Warsaw city hall.

In 1863 the building was damaged by a fire set by demonstrating Polish patriots during the January 1863 Uprising.

During the 1939 Invasion of Poland, the city hall served as headquarters of Warsaw's civil defense.

During the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, the German forces destroyed the building.

The palace's overall shape, including tower and façade, is prewar.