The Administrative Palace was completed in 1911 following the design of architect Josef Huber, in Art Nouveau – Secession style. The building was initially constructed to house the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Cluj, a function it had until 1940.

The property had a complex history. After 1947, the Town Hall functioned here. Later, the building became the seat of the Regional Committee of the Romanian Workers' Party and the County Committee of the Romanian Communist Party until 1989. The Romanian magazine "Society of Tomorrow" operated in the same building starting in 1926. After 1990, the Administrative Palace housed the Cluj County Council and the Cluj Prefecture, and since 2011 it has been exclusively the seat of the Institution of the Prefect – Cluj County.

From an architectural point of view, the building stands out through three free facades, three levels, and two interior light courtyards. The decoration combines elements of Gothic and Moorish inspiration with popular motifs, and the semi-cylindrical bodies at the corners, balconies, rich profiling, and ornamental parapets give it a monumental character.

The anniversary ceremony, organized by the Institution of the Prefect, marked the completion of renovation and modernization works financed through PNRR. Prefect Maria Forna awarded the distinction "Honor for Cluj" to several former prefects: Mircea Abrudean (2019–2021), Ioan Rus (1996), Vasile Soporan (2001–2004), Valentin Cuibus (2004), Mihail Hărdău (2005), Călin Platon (2007–2009), Florin Stamatian (2009–2012), Gheorghe Ioan Vușcan (2012–2017), and Istvan Szilard Tasnadi (2021–2022). The distinction was also awarded to Paul Zai, advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs and coordinator of projects financed through PNRR at MAI, as well as Mayor Emil Boc.