The main literary exhibition dedicated to the life and work of Leo Tolstoy is located in an old mansion that previously belonged to Lopukhins-Stanitskaya. This building was constructed in 1817 according to the design of architect A. G. Grigoriev. The renowned architect, along with D. Zhilyardi and O. I. Bove, was involved in the restoration of Moscow after the fire of 1812.

The wooden building, covered with plaster, is a striking example of mature Moscow Empire style. Inside, there are enfilades of grand halls with ceiling paintings, and the facade is adorned with white columns and bas-reliefs.

When V. F. Bulgakov, the organizer and curator of the Tolstoy Museum, first saw this "wonderful Empire mansion," he decided: "This is a worthy place for the L. N. Tolstoy Museum." This happened in 1920, and since then, the building at Prechistenka, 11/8 has been inextricably linked to the name of the writer.

Over more than a century of the museum's history, several permanent exhibitions have changed, such as "L. N. Tolstoy and His Era," "His Soul Embraced All and Everything," "The Earth and Sky of Leo Tolstoy," and others.