In 1837, an exhibition of natural and artificial works from the Vyatka province was organized in Vyatka, prepared by A. I. Herzen in honor of the visit of Grand Duke Alexander Nikolaevich. The heir to the throne was impressed by the exhibition and acquired several exhibits, including wooden pocket watches made by master Semyon Bronnikov and other items. This event became a stimulus for the creation of a museum in the Vyatka province, which later became the foundation of the Vyatka Public Museum.

On July 13, 1863, an article by P. V. Alabin was published in the "Vyatka Provincial Gazette" about the necessity of creating a public museum at the Vyatka Public Library. This idea was supported at a meeting of the library's advisory committee.

Letters were sent across Russia requesting assistance in creating the museum, which led to the acquisition of many unique items and funds. As a result, furniture, a microscope, and other exhibits were purchased. On May 8, 1864, Alexander II transferred a collection of minerals from the Mining Institute to the museum. At the time of its opening, the museum had about 7,000 exhibits.

The opening of the Vyatka Public Museum took place on January 22, 1866, in the presence of more than 200 people, including the governor of Vyatka and a bishop. Initially, the museum operated under the Vyatka Public Library and was accessible three times a week. Among the first visitors was the future artist Viktor Vasnetsov.

In 1874, the museum came under the management of the zemstvo school, and in 1880 it became a cabinet of visual aids. In 1889, the zemstvo assembly allocated funds for its needs, and S. N. Kosarev was appointed as the head, who also worked on developing a new variety of rye.

In the early 20th century, the museum was enriched with new collections, and in the post-revolutionary period, it was renamed the Vyatka Provincial Museum of Local Lore. In 1918, a scientific library and laboratory were established at the museum, as well as a circle for young naturalists. In 1919, the career of A. D. Fokin began, who worked at the museum until 1972.

In the 1920s and 1930s, the museum actively developed, conducting expeditions and exhibitions. In the mid-1930s, it merged with the Museum of the Revolution. During the Great Patriotic War, the museum was conserved.

In the second half of the 20th century, the museum continued to develop. In 1945, L. V. Diakonov began work on collecting Vyatka folklore. In 1955, an exhibition on pre-Soviet history was opened. The museum organized expeditions and scientific research.

In the late 1960s, the construction of new museums began. In 1968, a literary museum dedicated to M. E. Saltykov-Shchedrin opened in Kirov. In 1980, the A. S. Grin Museum opened, and in 1988, the K. E. Tsiolkovsky Museum.

In 1992, the "Vyatka Kunstkamera" department was opened. In 1989, the first conference on the results of the museum's scientific work took place. In 1995, the Grin readings began. The museum actively collaborates with international partners.

On May 18, 2006, a modern museum building was opened, and in 2014, the Museum of Military Glory. In 2016, a conference dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the museum was held. The Kirov Regional Local History Museum actively participates in events and exhibitions, continuing to develop in the 21st century.