The City Museum in Barnaul, opened in 2007, despite its youth, already boasts a significant collection of historical materials. The foundation for its creation was local administration documents, archival materials, photographs, and historical artifacts. Since 2005, with the arrival of Natalia Vakalova, the development of the museum's concept and exhibitions began.

In 2006, the museum found a permanent location in the historic building of the former city hall, constructed between 1914 and 1916 according to the design of architect I. F. Nosovich. The eclectic-style building stands out against the urban landscape due to the contrast of red and white colors and is adorned with a conical dome. Initially, the first floor was allocated for shops, while the second housed the city duma and administration. Today, this building is recognized as a historical monument.

The museum opened its doors to visitors on September 1, 2007. Its halls feature diverse collections, including a gallery of portraits of figures from the Kolyvano-Voskresensky factories of the 18th-19th centuries, documents from the Altai River Fleet, a collection of cameras from the 1970s-1980s, paintings donated by the V. M. Bashunov Youth Library, and archaeological finds from Polzunova Street. The museum also has electronic copies of photographs of Barnaul from the early 20th century. Historians and local historians participated in the creation of the exhibitions.

The main collection of the museum comprises about five thousand exhibits, many of which were donated by the residents of Barnaul. The museum offers various tours on the history of the city, actively employing modern methods and interactive engagement with visitors. Tours are conducted both in the museum and in the format of historical walks around the city.

The museum constantly hosts four permanent exhibitions: "Barnaul. From Origins to Modernity," "Barnaul in the 19th and Early 20th Century," "Barnaul in the 20th and Early 21st Century," and "Sky for All." Additionally, personal and anniversary exhibitions are regularly held. The museum participates in programs supporting cultural institutions and implements projects funded by grants.

In 2016, the museum was transferred a building on Lenin Avenue, where an exhibition hall was opened.