Construction began at the end of the 13th century, with buildings bought in 1291 and the neighboring Fieschi palace acquired in 1294. It took the name ducale in 1339, when Simone Boccanegra became the first doge. Andrea Ceresola, called il Vannone, gave it a Mannerist facade from 1591. A fire on November 3, 1777 led to a competition, which Simone Cantoni won, and the neoclassical marble facade was built from 1778 to 1783. The replacement roofs are brick for fire protection.
The palace passed to the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1815 and served as a courthouse and offices until 1975. A bomb damaged it in 1942, and a restoration in 1992 opened it to the public.
The Genoa Palazzo Ducale Foundation for Culture has managed it since 2008. It hosts exhibitions, events and conferences.
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