Built in 1912, the building was first used as the High Court before becoming the headquarters of several state government departments. Its architecture has strong Roman influence, which is evident also in the Temple of Fortune Rivals.

On July 25, 1983, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah proclaimed it as the Balai Seni Negeri Kedah Darul Aman (Kedah Darul Aman State Art Gallery).

The gallery comprises five sections, and is home to antiques, historical relics and several arts collections including some fine Malaysian landscape watercolour paintings by AB Ibrahim. Other facilities include a souvenir shop where one can buy postcards and artist tools.