[2] The building is an example of Italian Rationalism and fascist architecture with neoclassical design, representing romanità, a philosophy which encompasses the past, present, and future all in one.

[2] Ultimately the building was never used for its intended purposes following the aftermath of World War II, however the EUR has since been revitalized as a residential and business district.

The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana was constructed as part of the program of the Esposizione Universale Roma, a large business center and suburban complex, initiated in 1935 by Benito Mussolini for the planned 1942 world exhibition and as a symbol of the Fascist regime.

[5] The final plans were revised by Marcello Piacentini, the superintendent of the E42 Architecture Service, who decided to add a travertine exterior to the facade and accentuate the classical features of the design.

[2] The progress of the building was documented through the Fascist newsreel documentary service Istituto Luce, which captured various events including Mussolini planting a tree on the grounds in 1937.

[9] An exhibition, entitled "Una Nuova Roma", about the history of the EUR district was on display until March 7, 2016, on the ground floor of the building.

The Palazzo was designed by Guerrini, La Padula, and Romano, however the plans were modified by engineers and their director, Gaetano Minnucci, who was ultimately able to make any changes he saw fit.

[2] Like many other buildings of the EUR district, the Palazzo's materials consist of a concrete foundation and skeleton, clad in travertine, a stone used to give the effect of solid marble.

[2] The EUR provides a large-scale image of how urban Italy might have looked if the Fascist regime had not fallen during the war – large, symmetrical streets and austere buildings of limestone, tuff and marble, in either Stile Littorio (lictor), inspired by ancient Roman architecture, or Rationalism.

The inscription featured on the Palazzo refers to Mussolini's glorification of the Fascist regime, particularly claiming the superior qualities he attributed to the Italian race.

[14] The epigraphy for the building was originally planned to be excerpts from Augustus's Res gestae, a monumental inscription of the life and accomplishments of the first Roman emperor, however Mussolini's speech was ultimately chosen for the final design.

[14] The typeface is consistent with fascist design principles, being square and simple, easily legible from below, and carved to maximize shadows and contrast with the polished marble facade.

[14] Epigraphy on Italian Fascist architecture served to impose the regime's beliefs and ideologies on the public, specifically targeting an educated audience.

[14] At the four corners of the podium are placed four equestrian sculptural groups by Publio Morbiducci and Alberto de Felci, representing the Dioscuri, the two mythical Greek heroes, sons of Zeus and Leda.

Moving around the building clockwise from the entrance, the statues represent: The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana has been used many times in film as a visually oppressive force, associated with Italian Fascism.

The segment was set in the EUR district, using the Palazzo in particular to symbolize "the rigid moral order that the Christian Democrats wanted to impose on Italian society.