The Volgograd Museum of Fine Arts named after I. I. Mashkov was founded in 1960 and opened its doors to visitors on June 22, 1963. It is the only art museum in Volgograd. The foundation of its exhibitions consists of works from the 18th and 20th centuries, with a special emphasis on the history of Russian landscape painting.

The museum was named after Ilya Ivanovich Mashkov on October 25, 2010.

Initially, the museum's collection was formed from works transferred from the funds of other museums. More than 2000 exhibits were received from institutions such as the State Hermitage, the State Tretyakov Gallery, the State Historical Museum, and others. Subsequently, the collection was supplemented through purchases and donations. Today, the museum actively collects works by contemporary artists, including Volgograd masters.

Currently, the museum houses over 7000 works of painting and sculpture. The collection of works by Volgograd artist I. I. Mashkov stands out particularly. Among the significant works of the 20th century are those by A. A. Plastov, D. D. Zhilyinsky, V. F. Stozharov, G. M. Korzhev, V. E. Popkov, N. I. Andronov, and N. I. Nesterova. The collection is regularly updated, including works by well-known contemporary artists such as Volgograd master A. P. Vystropov.