The Romanov Museum in Kostroma is one of the main attractions of the city, housing an extensive collection of ancient exhibits. The museum is dedicated to the royal dynasty of the Romanovs, whose historical homeland is Kostroma. It was here, in the Ipatiev Monastery, that the future Tsar Mikhail Romanov lived in the 17th century.

In addition to the history of the Romanov house, the museum tells about the Time of Troubles, the Godunov family, the life of Kostroma boyars, as well as the customs and traditions of the nobility.

Initially, the exhibition was located in the house of the Kostroma Noble Assembly. The idea of creating a museum arose among the townspeople in the late 19th century, and the building project was approved by Emperor Nicholas II. Construction began in 1909.

The grand opening of the museum took place on May 19, 1913, in the presence of members of the Romanov family, including Nicholas II. This year was chosen intentionally, as it marked the 300th anniversary of the Romanov rule, and celebrations were held across Russia, with new buildings constructed and parks laid out.

The first visitor to the museum was Emperor Nicholas II.

The museum housed an ancient collection divided into archaeological, ethnographic, and numismatic departments, as well as an archive, library, and art gallery. In the early 20th century, the museum's funds were supplemented with items from the Hermitage and the Academy of Arts.

The museum building has retained its unique exterior appearance. It resembles an ancient Russian terem with white stone carvings, but its decor and construction include elements from the 18th century and later periods. Such construction was made possible by state funds and donations from wealthy citizens of Kostroma.

Visitors can still enjoy the interior decoration that has been preserved since the opening: spacious halls, a wide staircase with wrought iron railings, and massive carved and metal doors.

During the Soviet era, the museum continued to operate in this building, where scholars also worked to study the region. Today, the collection of paintings, weapons, furniture, documents, and decorative applied arts occupies several halls on two floors. Many exhibits are authentic and of research interest.

The museum's gallery features paintings by the famous Russian artist B. M. Kustodieva and the only collection in the country of works by folk master E. V. Chestnyakov, as well as ancient icons and graphics. Regular exhibitions of contemporary artists are held.