The Novosibirsk State Local History Museum, founded in 1920, is located in the city center. The historical department is housed in the City Trading House, designed in the style of rationalist modernism and recognized as a federal architectural monument. The project was developed by architect Andrei Kryachkov, the author of more than 100 iconic structures in Siberia, including the Stock Apartment House, the Chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and the Textile Syndicate.

In the basement of the museum, there is a permanent exhibition dedicated to the crafts and customs of the indigenous Siberian peoples. The first floor is dedicated to the history of the Novosibirsk region, while the second floor hosts temporary exhibitions.

In the hall "Siberia in Antiquity," the exhibition combines archaeology and ethnography, showcasing the development of crafts, agriculture, animal husbandry, nomadic life, and military art. The section "Hunters and Fishermen" tells about the first people of Western Siberia who appeared in the Neolithic era. Here, archaeological finds are presented: darts, spears, arrows, a Kets bow, traps, and snares, as well as flint guns and hunting knives. Boats and traps were used for fishing since the early Bronze Age. Bronze and silver representations of animals and birds, as well as ritual objects of shamans, are also displayed.

In the hall "Farmers and Herdsmen," items illustrating the development of agriculture and farming in the southern regions of Siberia up to the 1930s are shown. Here, one can see ceramic products and bronze casting production. The section "Nomadic Herdsmen" presents the equipment of riding horses and the weapons of nomadic warriors.

The hall "The Development of Southern Siberia" tells about Russian pioneers of the 14th century, Cossacks, and the construction of fortresses. The exhibition includes the equipment of Russian warriors, firearms of the Cossacks, and a three-pound cannon. Items produced by the copper smelting plant and the mint, as well as the technological process of coin minting, are also presented.

In the hall "Novo-Nikolayevsk, Novosibirsk. 1893, 1926," a business office of the early 20th century is recreated. Here, one can see an antique motorcycle, items from a sewing workshop, and photographs of the city's streets. Items from the first city gymnasiums, military uniforms, and weapons from World War I are also displayed.

The hall "The First Soviet Five-Year Plans" is dedicated to industrialization and collectivization. The exhibition includes items from the first commune, peasant cut-offs, and weapons from peasant uprisings. Porcelain, clothing, and school supplies are also presented.

The hall "Novosibirsk Region During the Great Patriotic War" shows how Novosibirsk residents fought and worked in the rear. Here, the equipment of Red Army soldiers, weapons, factory machines, and products from Novosibirsk enterprises are displayed.

The hall "The Time of Great Hopes" covers the history of the 1950s and 1960s, including mourning for Stalin, the development of virgin lands, the construction of the Communal Bridge, the Novosibirsk Hydroelectric Power Station, the opening of universities, and Akademgorodok. Corners of apartments in "Khrushchyovkas" and peasant huts are recreated.