The wife of one of the famous Russian patrons, the Tretyakov brothers, collected a significant military collection for many years. After the start of World War I, by the emperor's decree, the so-called "War Chamber" was established, a museum intended to showcase trophies from enemy armies. However, with the onset of the revolution, this project was forgotten for many years.

In 2014, thanks to the long-standing efforts of historian G.E. Vvedensky, the only World War I museum in the country was opened in a restored building. Currently, the institution is headed by historian D. Klochkova.

The museum organizes exhibitions, presentations, as well as screenings of documentary and feature films. Among the donors of exhibits are many patrons, including Australian filmmaker Peter Jackson, the author of the "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.