The museum building is located on the grounds of the former estate of A. I. Sakharov. Since 1904, a photo studio operated here, where the first masters of photography, Kholevin and Nikanorov, worked. Nearby, at house No. 28 on the modern Bebel Street, was the famous photographer Kaganin in Simbirsk.

Upon entering the museum, visitors find themselves in a photo pavilion from the late 19th to early 20th century. The reception area is furnished with antique furniture: a large mirror in a carved frame, a green baize-covered office desk, and a sofa, all original items belonging to the photographer's family. A working corner of the master has also been recreated here. The exhibition in the second hall is dedicated to the history of photography development in Ulyanovsk and includes old photographs, albums, and cameras.

Guests can feel like clients of a photo salon by taking family pictures in retro style wearing vintage costumes. The museum also features an exhibition hall dedicated to contemporary photography art. Elements of 19th-century estate architecture have been recreated on the museum grounds.