In the historical center of Kaluga, at the intersection of Pushkin and Bauman streets, there stands a three-story mansion built in the late 18th century by provincial architect Yasnigin on the order of merchant Ivan Galaktionovich Bilibilin. After his death, the house passed to his son, Petersburg merchant Vasily Ivanovich Bilibilin, and in 1848 the building was acquired by retired lieutenant colonel Sukhotin.

At first glance, the house does not stand out except for its antiquity, but in 1859, General Field Marshal Baryatinsky captured the famous Imam Shamil. Instead of arresting him, he was first taken for an audience with Emperor Alexander II and then sent for free residence in Kaluga. Shamil's arrival on October 10, 1859, was a significant event for the city. Lithographic portraits of the captive quickly sold out. He was greeted by the commandant and provincial administration, after which he was temporarily settled in the 'Kulon' hotel on Nikitskaya street (now Lenin street).

It was soon decided to place Shamil in Sukhotin's mansion, the rent for which cost the state 900 rubles a year. Urgent repairs were made to the house, and in November, the former imam moved there. In January 1860, his family arrived in Kaluga with servants, totaling 22 people. Shamil appeared in public places, schools, hospitals, and theaters, but did not stay out later than 10 PM.

On August 26, 1866, at the Noble Assembly, Shamil solemnly pledged allegiance to the Russian emperor. Eight years later, on November 25, 1868, he left Kaluga, but house No. 4 on Pushkin street forever remained associated with his name. Since then, the building has been referred to not only as the merchant Bilibilin's house but also as Shamil's house.

Today, the Bilibilin/Shamil house houses a weapons museum and an exhibition dedicated to World War I, which are part of the Kaluga United Museum-Reserve. The majority of the exhibits are dedicated to World War I: weapons and uniforms from that period, original posters, documents, and photographs of Kaluga residents who participated in the war, commemorative medals, and tokens. The central exhibit is the diorama 'Brusilov Offensive' by Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Pavel Viktorovich Ryzhyenko. The weapons collection is supplemented by authentic exhibits from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. There is also an exhibition dedicated to Shamil's stay in Kaluga and a small hall with weapons from the 11th to 19th centuries. The museum is unique and deserves attention.