Registered as a cultural space[1] on the occasion of Genoa European Capital of Culture 2004, in autumn 2006 it was one of the venues of the Festival della Scienza.

The castle was built on a pre-existing country villa, in turn located on the site of the 16th century Genoese walls.

Built in 1893-1905, it was designed in Gothic revival style by Art Nouveau architect Gino Coppedè under commission by Evan Mackenzie, an insurance broker, whose family lived here for 26 years.

Thirty years later it was acquired by American collector Mitchell Wolfson, Jr.

The restoration works he commissioned remained unfinished, and in 2002 the castle was sold to the Cambi auction house which commissioned the restoration to architect Gianfranco Franchini.