The history of the owners dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries. In the 15th century it was owned by the Girona lineage. From there it was passed, between sales and inheritances at the hands of different families of the Catalan aristocracy and bourgeoisie.

In the second half of the nineteenth century the building was rented by different tenants, until it was purchased by the Rius family. In the fifties, it became the property of the Barcelona City Council.

It is currently one of the 5 palaces that houses the Picasso Museum together with the Palau Berenguer Aguilar, the Palau Meca, the Palau Finestras and the Palau Mauri.