The creation of the museum became possible thanks to the efforts of the Yuryevets branch, which actively collaborated with the Ivanovo-Voznesensk provincial scientific and local history society in 1924. A group of enthusiasts, including A.I. Butaev, P.I. Makarov, and B.V. Shiryayev, founded this museum. Alexey Ivanovich Butaev was appointed as the director.

Today, the museum complex of the city of Yuryevets includes four museums, among which the historical and art museum stands out. It was first opened on December 28, 1999, in an old building constructed in 1903 by merchant A.L. Flyagin. During the Soviet era, this building housed a school, and after its closure, various organizations were located here. In 1999, the building gained new life, becoming a place that preserves the history of the city.

The museum has an extensive collection of exhibits reflecting the history of the city from its founding to the present day. The exhibitions occupy the entire second floor of the building and are conditionally divided into four exhibition halls.

The first hall includes exhibitions dedicated to the ancient fortress on the Volga, Yuryevets during the Great Patriotic War, as well as the city’s churches. There is also a hall that is regularly updated in accordance with new historical events and dates. The halls are filled with a variety of elements: works by masters and artists who glorified the city, a photo gallery featuring notable residents and families, exhibits demonstrating the craft skills of local residents in different eras, and items illustrating everyday life.