The Nawab of Lucknow, Ghazi-ud-din Haider started the construction of the Chattar Manzil but he died in between. It was then completed by his son Nasir-ud-din Haider. The Chattar Manzil still retains its old world charm. Some say it was later remodeled by the British as per their tastes. Today, the Chattar Manzil has been remodeled to serve as an office for the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI).
One of the imposing structures created by the Nawabs of Lucknow, Chattar Manzil is a very famous tourist attraction of Lucknow. The most unique thing about the Chattar Manzil of Lucknow is the strikingly different architecture. The most prominent feature of this grand structure is the Umbrella-shaped dome from which it has derived its name. The construction also has some elements of the European architecture thus proving that it must have been pretty much influenced by the modern style of architecture of Europe.