[1] The construction of the building began in 1917, designed by the architects Christian Morgenstierne (1880–1967) and Arne Eide (1881-1957).

Subsequent owner Henrik Østervold (1878-1957) engaged architect Jens Zetlitz Monrad Kielland (1866–1926) to prepare new and reduced building plans.

Wilhelmsen (1872–1955) handed over Villa Grande as a gift to the Norwegian government.

After Maria Quisling had been evicted, General Andrew Thorne (1885–1970), commander-in-chief of Allied forces in Norway, together with his staff, used Villa Grande as their headquarters from 22 May 1945.

[5] Since 2006, Villa Grande has housed the Norwegian research institution Center for Studies of Holocaust and Religious Minorities.