Rundāle Palace was constructed in two stages (1736-1740 and 1764-1768), according to a project by the Russian court architect, Francesco Rastrelli. Most of the interiors were created between 1765 and 1768, when sculptor Johan Michael Graff and painters Francesco Martini and Carlo Zucchi worked at the palace. Some unique samples of Rastrelli's early style have remained intact. The museum’s current design reflects palace interior from the second half of the 18th century. Several thematic exhibitions are available.

The French-style garden was designed parallel to the construction of the palace (1736-1740) and has been carefully restored, keeping Rastrelli’s original plan. It has all the principal hallmarks of a baroque garden: an ornamental parterre, the Green Theatre, bosquets, pergolas and pavilions. A rose garden (around 2200 species) has been planted in addition to some ornamental shrub and flower plantations.

The Rundāle Palace ensemble spans 85 hectares.