The creation of the nature museum is closely linked to the history of the Pechoro-Ilych Reserve. Initially, it was conceived as a museum associated with the reserve, and its collections were formed from field collections by staff. The uniqueness of the museum lies in the fact that its exhibits are biological objects that serve as sources of scientific information. The exhibitions feature almost all species of vertebrates inhabiting this region, as well as important historical moments of the local peoples.

The museum officially opened on June 1, 1973. Since 1996, it has been managed by the Department of Environmental Education and serves as the main place for visitor engagement.

The museum's collections include botanical and zoological specimens gathered by staff in hard-to-reach areas of the reserve, which are of great significance for scientific research. A particular pride of the museum is its extensive collection of skulls from various animals, totaling 1,525 specimens. The museum also houses a private collection of skulls from small mammals, around 20,000 pieces, and moose skulls.

The paleontological collection is small and primarily organized by geochronological and systematic principles. It mainly consists of invertebrates: corals, bryozoans, mollusks. There are significantly fewer bone remains of vertebrates. Fossils have not only scientific but also educational value and are widely used in thematic excursions. Collections of stuffed animals are used for exhibitions.

Particular interest is drawn to exhibits of animals with unusual coloring. These include squirrel skins with white spots on a smoky background, dark smoky, beige, with a yellow stripe along the back, and nearly black, as well as a light-colored flying squirrel.

The local history hall features a historical and ethnographic exhibition.