Spread across 52 acre, the palace is situated on a hilltop, and was built in the 19th century by the Raja of Kochi as his residence. The structure of the palace is a beautiful blend of traditional and Dutch styles of architecture. Now, the palace has been converted into an archaeological museum, displaying a fine collection of articles that show the wealth and splendour of the rajas of Kochi, including an opulent throne and a crown. Earlier, the palace comprised 49 buildings, and now has 18 galleries, which house photos of the former rulers of Kochi. Lovely Tanjore paintings also adorn the palace walls. The museum also displays paintings and sculptures in stone and marble, weapons, inscriptions, etc. Most of the artefacts were donated by the Cochin royal family and some have been given by the Paliam Devaswom and the Department of Archaeology. The museum has also been a cinematic backdrop for the Malayalam film, Manichitrathazhu.