In 1624 the cardinal Richelieu becomes minister of king Luigi XIII and in 1632 he decides to build the edifice.
Works are submitted to the Mercier (favourite architect of Richelieu) who will build the cardinal building.
The cardinal died on 4 December 1642.
The building is tied to the king died the following year.
Afterwards Luigi XIV established in the building. At that time it will be named Royal Palace.
The building is given to Philippe of Orlèans(Luigi's XIV brother) that died here.
Philippe II of Orlèans occupies subsequently the building where libertine frescos will be realized.
In the back part of the building, the gardens and a series of edifices housing shops were realized.
During the revolution the royal building is the centre of events to become subsequently a very animated centre of the vice: gambling houses etc...
From 1801 the Royal Palace becomes the courthouse, therefore the seat of the Stock Exchange and of the Chamber of commerce.
The palace is returned to the family of Orlèans in 1814.
In 1871 the royal building is set on fire. It will be restored to house the seat of the Council of State from 1875 till nowadays.
You can admire the columns of Buren; despite some philosophical discussions they perfectly integrate in this context, particularly when they are illuminated.