Constructed by Robert Chisholm between 1874 and 1879,[1] the Senate building is considered to be one of the best and oldest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture in India.

[8] The great hall of the Senate House is of immense height and proportions and considered to be the finest of its kind in India.

[8][9] The restoration of the Senate House was completed in 2006 to coincide with sesqui-centenary (150th year) celebration of the Madras University.

Experts from INTACH and Archaeological Survey of India were consulted to restore the various features of this historic building.

[18] Recently, it was the venue of a month-long exhibition of the second edition of Chennai Photo Biennale, a first-of-its kind photography conference in India during February–March 2019.