The exhibition of Russian visual art from the 18th to the 20th centuries is located in the building of the former Noble Deputies' Assembly, constructed in 1851 according to the design of architect A.I. Shtakenshneider. For over half a century, this building served as a venue for noble and provincial zemstvo assemblies, concerts, musical evenings, performances, meetings of the Novgorod Noble Assembly, and the Society of Antiquarians. Public lectures and annual balls were also held here.

Among the significant historical events that took place within the walls of the Noble Assembly, one can highlight the celebrations of 1862 dedicated to the 1000th anniversary of Russian statehood, attended by Emperor Alexander II and his entourage, as well as the XV All-Russian Archaeological Congress in 1911.

During the Soviet era, the building was used by various organizations and educational institutions. In the 1950s, its architectural appearance was altered: the facade decor was destroyed, a third floor was added, and a portico with eight massive columns appeared in the central part of the facade. However, the internal layout and window shapes have partially been preserved.

In 2001, the Museum of Visual Arts opened in the building with the exhibition "Russian Art of the 18th and 20th Centuries." It features a rich collection of Russian painting, graphics, and sculpture, as well as a diverse collection of portrait miniatures.

The main part of the museum's collection was formed in the 1920s and 1930s from closed noble estates, the State Russian Museum, and the Russian Museum Fund. The collection includes works by masters such as D. Levitsky, V. Borovikovsky, F. Rokotov, K. Bryullov, V. Tropinin, I. Repin, I. Aivazovsky, and others. Among the sculptural works, notable pieces by M. Antokolsky, F. Shubin, M. Vrubel, and P. Trubetskoy can be highlighted.

Visitors are greeted by B. Villevalde's painting "The Unveiling of the Monument to the Millennium of Russia." The museum's collection allows for an overview of the main stages in the development of domestic visual art. The building also hosts wedding ceremonies and winter balls.

Exhibitions include "Russian Art of the 18th and 20th Centuries" and "Art of Russia from 1917 to 2000." The museum is a branch of the Novgorod State United Museum-Reserve.