In the historical centre of Nizhny Novgorod, on the Freedom square is the only in Russia Museum-prison "Nizhegorodsky Ostrog", which is a branch of the state historical-architectural Museum-reserve. The prison castle, built in 1823 provincial architect I. E. Ephraim, is an architectural complex consisting of administrative buildings, prisons and high brick walls. Rectangular at the base cellblock has four round towers at the corners and built a Church with a small bell tower in the Central part.

The prison was used for its intended purpose prior to October, 1914, after which the Nizhny Novgorod provincial jail was transferred to new buildings at Arzamas highway. State historical and art reserve Museum the building was transferred in 1981, prior to that it was located in pharmacy administration. Visitors to the Museum were open dormitories, singles, the temple prison and solitary confinement, located in the basement directly under the Church. Earlier in the prison yard were: bath, guardroom, barracks, smithy, stables, hospital and other outbuildings, and in the outer courtyard there were barracks for political prisoners and holding of prisoners. In conclusion, Nizhegorodsky Ostrog at different times were: Maxim Gorky, Felix Dzerzhinsky, Vladimir Korolenko, Yakov Sverdlov and other well-known public and political figures of the 19th and 20th centuries.

In 2008 in Ostrog began restoration work, which opened the ancient painting in the temple premises under the big Soviet layer of plaster. The Church of the Mother of God "joy of All who sorrow" had a two-story layout. Painted columns and the altar was engaged in inmate - master of noble origin (for archives - Bobylev). They also find decorative paintings on metal architectural elements with images of grape bunches, leaves, etc.

Next to the Museum Nizhegorodsky Ostrog" are historical and architectural Museum-reserve, the Opera house and the Theatre of the young spectator. A few blocks away is the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin and the Central square of the city.