The Andafiavaratra Palace was built in 1872 as the official residence of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony, who wielded effective power in Madagascar through the reigns of three successive queens. The building is a striking example of the hybrid Malagasy–Victorian architectural style of the period: a stone and timber mansion with wraparound verandas, set on a hillside with views over the city. After the French annexation of 1896, it became a colonial administrative building; today it functions as a museum.
The collection inside focuses on Merina royal history — court regalia, royal photographs, ceremonial silver, furniture, and documents from the nineteenth century kingdom. It is one of the few places in Tana where the material culture of pre-colonial Madagascar is presented with proper context. Labels are primarily in Malagasy and French; hiring a guide at the entrance significantly improves the experience. The building itself, with its polished wooden floors and period furnishings, is worth the visit independently of the collection.