The building was designed by Swedish architect Carl Christoffer Gjörwell.

Laying down the foundation stone of the Old Academy Building in 1802 was a milestone where Swedish king Gustav IV Adolf and Queen Fredrika Dorotea were present.

The Old Academy Building suffered damage due to the Great Fire of Turku in 1827.

After the devastation caused by the fire, the Imperial Academy of Turku, the university at that time, moved to Helsinki.

It seats 350 and is also commonly used for events such as concerts; the acoustics of the hall are superb for choirs and chamber music.