The Imperial Palace is a colonial building in baroque style located in the XV de Novembro Square, in the historic center of Rio. Built in the 18th century, it was originally the residence of the governors of the Captaincy of Rio de Janeiro, and later served as home to the viceroy, King John VI and the emperors. Today, the building functions as a cultural center and is considered one of the most important examples of colonial civil architecture in Brazil, both for its historical relevance and its aesthetic value.

The construction of the Imperial Palace began in 1733, when Governor Gomes Freire de Andrade requested permission from King John V to erect a government house in Rio de Janeiro. The building was designed by Portuguese military engineer José Fernandes Pinto Alpoim and was completed in 1743. Originally called the House of the Governors, the structure was erected in the Ancho de Carmo, now XV de Novembro Square, in the heart of the colonial city. During the same period, the square was also remodeled with the construction of other important buildings.

In 1763, when the seat of the viceroyalty of Brazil was moved from Salvador to Rio de Janeiro, the building became the Palace of the Viceroys. This change marked a key moment in the political importance of Rio de Janeiro.

With the arrival of the Portuguese royal family in Rio de Janeiro in 1808, the building was elevated to the status of Royal Palace. Several adaptations were made, including the addition of a new throne room and an additional floor overlooking Guanabara Bay. The interior was also redecorated, and a Throne Room was built where official ceremonies were held.

After Brazil's independence in 1822, the building became the Imperial Palace and served as the office and occasional residence of Emperors Pedro I and Pedro II. It was in this palace that Pedro I made the decision to remain in Brazil, and where Princess Isabel signed the Golden Law in 1888, abolishing slavery in the country.

After the proclamation of the Republic in 1889, the Palace was confiscated and used as the Central Post and Telegraph Agency, which resulted in the destruction of much of its original decoration. In 1938, the building was registered as an architectural heritage site, and in the early 1980s, the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute restored it to its 1818 appearance.

Today, the Imperial Palace is a cultural center where art, photography, sculpture, film and music exhibitions are held. It also has an art and architecture library, as well as stores and restaurants.