Built in 1695 by the Consorzio della Madonna welfare organisation as its headquarters, it features austere architecture suited to the charitable activities that took place there: the ground floor was used as a warehouse to store goods to be distributed to the poor, the portico on the façade provided shelter for the distribution of alms, while the first floor (which has remained almost intact) housed the administrative offices and the Council Chamber.
With the reform of the charitable system implemented by Giuseppe II d’Asburgo in 1786, the Istituto Elemosiniere was created, now known as the Fondazione Città di Cremona, which has been based in the building ever since.
The Foundation exhibits a valuable collection of paintings from the 17th to the 20th century.