Joseph Antoine Hongran, notary and tradesman acquires the ground in 1760. It is his son, Joseph François Hongran who made build the palace. That work will be completed in 1772.

This building of five floors is characterized by a monumental stair located in central position. Moreover, all the walls and ceilings are covered with frescos (modern- style) which were achieved by means of a stencil, by Verneuil (painter of the “new art”)

Several personalities have patronized this palace. Thus, the Bonaparte General, commander-in-chief of the army of  Italy has slept in a mansard-roofed part of the 4e level of this palace, just before the countryside which has revealed its genius. A pane is set in his honor at the entry of the building.
On the second floor is also come the Empress Eugénie, during the fesivities which marked the incorporation of Nice to France. One time, the Fesival Commettee was also established  in the building, which brought once, the Shah of Iran of the time.
Lastly, this monument received the first museum (whose curator was Juli Eynaudi) and the first library from 1838.

Sight: opposite, the Saleya course with its fantastic Market of Flowers, vegetables and fruits. On the right, an immense marine panorama: the port, the Ferrat cape, the Terraces, the Quay of the United States, palm trees, the infinite sea...
On the left, the district of "pré-aux-oies", with the buildings of "Saint François de Paule", the bell-tower of  “Saint Dominique”, the green court of the restaurant "the woodcock", the old Visconti bookshop and in the background, the "Mont Chauve" and the "Mont Vial".