On the left bank of the Sukhona River, at the confluence of the Dmitrievsky stream, stands the Assumption Church with its majestic bell tower. Since 1995, the Museum of Church Antiquities has been operating within its walls, where one can see monuments of Northern Russian icon painting, examples of wooden church sculpture, small plastic works made of copper and wood, as well as church utensils.

Restoration work to uncover Totma icons began in 1974 and 1975. It was found that the unique Totma complex occupies a special place in the artistic culture of the Russian North. The earliest icons in the museum date back to the late 15th century. Professor A. A. Rybakov notes that the twilight color palette of the icons, the squat figures of the characters, and the restrained movement even in dynamic compositions testify to the creative connections of Totma iconographers with their southern neighbors, the Kostroma residents.

Particular interest is aroused by the church sculpture, which, although atypical for Orthodoxy, was widespread in the Russian North. Masters crafted it from linden, a soft wood that is easy to work with and resistant to temperature fluctuations. The wood was covered with levkas, ochre, and gold leaf. The Totma Museum Association has about a hundred such works of art in its collection. The sculpture "Archangel Michael, trampling Satan" stands out especially.

The museum features a bell tower that offers a view of the Sukhona River and the city. The belfry, consisting of six bells, was restored in 2016 with funds from V.A. Glazachev, a descendant of the Totma merchant dynasty of Arsakovs. On the way to the bell tower, various exhibitions can be visited on the second and third floors.

In May 2018, a new exhibition hall of the museum titled "Wooden Sculpture" opened. It is located on the northern side of the Assumption Church building and operates according to the schedule of the main halls. Access to this hall can be obtained from the attendant in the main room.