The building was originally a private palace built by the factory worker Peter von Nottbeck from 1898. The building was already owned by the city of Tampere at the beginning of the 20th century and has served as a museum ever since.

The building has a colorful history, e.g. from wartime. In addition to active exhibition and museum activities, the building also houses a cafe and a take-out restaurant.

The Finnish Museum Agency was involved in the implementation planning. The building was treated like a conservation building, even though there was no conservation designation in the old plan.

The building was awarded the Tampere Good Building Award 2015.