The museum, opened in 1971, is located in the house where Maxim Gorky lived from 1902 to 1904. In September 1902, the writer rented an apartment in the house of N. F. Kirshbaum and settled there with his family. By this time, Gorky was already well-known: in 1903-1904, he received the Griboedov Prize, his works were included in the repertoire of the Moscow Art Theatre, and were translated into 16 languages. In this house, he completed the play "The Lower Depths" and witnessed its success. Gorky often had guests, including writers Leonid Andreyev and Yevgeny Chirikov, singer Fyodor Shalyapin, and other artists. In 1904, captivated by actress Maria Andreyeva and new literary and social connections, Gorky left his family and hometown. The creation of the museum involved the writer's wife E. P. Peshkova, daughter-in-law N. A. Peshkova, granddaughters Marfa and Darya, as well as Shalyapin's daughter.

The museum offers themed tours, such as "The Last Nizhny Novgorod Apartment of A. M. Gorky", "A. M. Gorky and F. I. Shalyapin", "A. M. Gorky and Theatre", "A. M. Gorky and Children". The first floor of the museum features thematic exhibitions, as well as a "Green Drawing Room" in the style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries for literary and scientific events. The museum hosts a literary club "House with a Mezzanine". Visitors ascend to the second floor via a wooden staircase and see an old plaque reading "A. M. Peshkov" on the door. The tour begins in the hallway, where there is a telephone, an oak coat rack, and a chest. Opposite stands a Swedish cupboard with books and a painting "Old Russia", gifted to Gorky by artist V. Orlov. From the hallway, one can enter the rooms of the writer's family. In E. P. Peshkova's study, her personal belongings, awards, photographs, books, and documents are displayed.

In the guest room, F. I. Shalyapin lived from August 17 to September 7, 1903. His personal belongings, writing desk, inkwell "Bulka", candlestick, and pencil sharpener are exhibited here. On the shelf is a travel toiletry case, and on the wall, a clock gifted to Shalyapin by the "Society for the Assistance of Female Students in Moscow".

In the living room, Gorky read his works and held meetings and improvisational concerts, where F. Shalyapin sang. In the children's room, there are metal beds, a desk, a table, a bookcase, and a dresser. On the floor lies a carpet with toys and pebbles brought by Gorky's son Maxim from Crimea. On the walls are photographs of nanny M. I. Orekhova-Medvedeva, A. M. Gorky, and M. A. Volzhina. During the winter holidays, morning performances "Gorky Christmas Trees" take place here.

M. A. Volzhina's room, E. P. Peshkova's mother, is furnished with a dresser, an antique secretary, a table, and a sewing machine. On the dresser are family photographs, and on the table, magazines "Niva" and "Strekoza". In the corner of the room, a mannequin for trying on dresses.

In A. M. Gorky's study, items particularly dear to the writer are kept. In the center of the room stands a writing desk with manuscripts, letters, and photographs. The study also features books, a bronze statuette of K. S. Stanislavsky, a collection of netsuke, a hunting horn, and an engraving by V. V. Vereshchagin. From the window to the bookcase, there is a couch with pillows.

In the Peshkovs' bedroom, there are two iron beds with silk covers, a dressing table with a mirror, and a box with a branch of orange blossom and wedding candles. In the wardrobe, E. Volzhina's wedding dress and a Japanese kimono. On the bedside table, a bouquet of dried flowers collected by Gorky for his wife.

The tour concludes in the small dining room, where dishes, a samovar, and other kitchen utensils from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are displayed.