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The original palace was built by wood under the supervision of Queen Ranavalona I. In 1872, this wooden palace was replaced by the current palace according to the plans of British architect William Pool. In the centre of the palace there is a large reception room which is lit up by a glass dome. Each of the four corner towers include a bell tower. From 1864 to 1895 the palace was the residence of prime minister [[Rainilaiarivony]], who married three queens and excersised ultimate power from there.
After the independence of Madagascarbecame independent, the palace was used as army barracks, court, school of fine arts, presidential palace and finally again as the prime minister's office.
In 1976 the palace burnt down. After some great restoration it houses today an exhibition of precious items which were saved from the fire of the [[Rova | Queen's Palace]] in 1995.