The Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, is a historical building in Genoa, which was once the residence of the rulers of the city, and now houses the Museum. Here are a variety of cultural events and art exhibitions. The Palace was built in the heart of Genoa: it has two inputs and, respectively, two facades – one overlooks the Piazza Matteotti, the second on the Piazza Ferrari.

The first premises of the Palazzo were built between 1251 and 1275 years in the heyday of the Republic of Genoa, and the tower of Torre Grimalkin, also known as the popular Tower, was built in 1539. In 1992, on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America the most famous native of Genoa Christopher Columbus the Doge's Palace was restored.

Once in place the Palazzo was the house of a powerful Genoese family of Doria, and was located near the Church of San Matteo and San Lorenzo. After the government of Genoa he bought the house and adjoining buildings, construction began on the Palace. In 1294, it was attached to the tower of the Fieschi. The first restoration of the Palazzo was made in 1590-ies under the guidance of Andrea Ceresola, and in the 17th century in the private chapel of the Doges appeared frescoes by Giovanni Battista the and Domenico Carlone, Fiasella. Serious damage to the structure was caused in a fire in 1777, however, the Palace was quickly restored and rebuilt in neoclassical style.

On the first floor of the Palazzo, the so – called dress circle – today you can see the frescoed halls of the Great and Small Councils, which hosts various public events. In July 2001, the Doge's Palace hosted the summit "Big Eight", which was attended by the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA and Russia.