The Historical and Art Museum in the ancient city of Serpukhov plays an important role in cultural life. Its collection includes priceless works by famous Russian artists such as Pryanishnikov, Vasily Mikhailovich Vasnetsov, Makovsky, Aivazovsky, and others. The museum is located in a mansion built in 1896, which previously belonged to the wealthy merchant Anna Maraeva. The building was designed by the famous Moscow architect Roman Ivanovich Klein.

Anna Maraeva, in addition to her successful business, was passionate about paintings and antiques. She acquired a valuable collection from a impoverished nobleman, Merlina, becoming the owner of a unique assembly. After the Bolsheviks came to power, Maraeva's property, including paintings, was confiscated. Although the requisitioners showed no interest in art, the collection survived and in 1918 was transformed into a local historical and art museum, housed in Maraeva's home.

The museum's exhibition includes a valuable collection of Russian painting, featuring ancient icons from the 16th and 17th centuries. Secular painting is represented by works from several generations of artists, starting from the 18th century, but the majority dates back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the most famous exhibits is the first version of Vasnetsov's painting "The Knight at the Crossroads." The museum also has a section of Western European art with works by students of Rembrandt and other masters.

Today, the museum has many departments and directions, continues to operate successfully, and annually attracts thousands of visitors eager to touch the great Russian art.