In 1777, Count János Pálffy from Pezinok inherited Smolenice but did not reside in the castle due to its poor condition and lack of money for rebuilding it.

During its construction there were masters from Italy, Germany, Austria and Hungary, and 60 workmen from Smolenice and nearby villages.

The castle was damaged in the spring of 1945 during World War II, and in that same year the state became the owner of it.

Some reconstructions have been made after 1950, and since June 26, 1953 the castle is the property of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.

The castle serves now as a conference centre, and it is only opened to the public in the months of July and August.