The house-museum of Hero of the Soviet Union Mikhail Petrovich Devyatayev is one of the most well-known cultural and historical institutions in the Republic of Mordovia. The museum, located in the center of the village of Torbeevo, is dedicated to a man whose name is known worldwide. Next to the museum stands a monument to Devyatayev, and at the entrance to the village, one can see a MiG-17 aircraft, symbolizing his heroic escape from fascist captivity.

The museum was opened on May 8, 1975, for the 30th anniversary of the Great Victory, in the house where Mikhail Petrovich was born and lived. In 1978, it became a branch of the Mordovian United Republican Local History Museum. Today, the museum's collections hold 3,700 exhibits, including letters, photographs, documents, and personal belongings of Devyatayev.

After the museum's expansion, two halls were opened: an ethnographic hall and a hall dedicated to the Great Patriotic War. In 2005, for the 60th anniversary of Victory, the museum building underwent major renovations and re-exposition. The ethnographic hall features the interior of a peasant hut from the 1920s-30s, as well as household items and national clothing belonging to the Devyataykin family.

The second hall tells about the life and feats of Devyatayev. After finishing eight grades, he studied at a river technical school in Kazan and participated in an aeroclub. During the war, Devyatayev made 180 combat sorties and shot down 9 enemy aircraft. In 1944, he was captured, but on February 8, 1945, he made a daring escape on a captured German plane.

On August 15, 1957, Mikhail Petrovich was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. The museum displays his awards, documents, and souvenirs brought from various countries. Special attention is drawn to exhibits transferred to the museum from the former concentration camp Sachsenhausen, which testify to the atrocities of the fascists.

Mikhail Petrovich described his trials in the book "Escape from Hell," which serves as a guidance for the younger generation. He was acquainted with notable figures such as A.I. Pokryshkin and S.P. Korolev, as confirmed by photographs in the museum. Devyatayev is an honorary citizen of Mordovia and other cities.

After the war, he returned to Kazan and became the captain of the riverboat "Raketa." The museum holds his captain's uniform. Mikhail Petrovich maintained ties with his native Mordovia, often visiting Torbeevo and the museum. The museum staff keeps in correspondence with his son and organizes various events.

The museum actively participates in the cultural life of the district, collaborates with educational institutions, and organizes exhibitions dedicated to the feats of the people in the Great Patriotic War. In 2006, an ethnographic expedition was conducted, and in 2017, for the 100th anniversary of Devyatayev, a jubilee program was held with the participation of his relatives and guests from various cities.

Thus, the House-Museum of Mikhail Petrovich Devyatayev plays an important role in the cultural life of the district and contributes to the preservation of historical memory.