In September 1996, in an old two-story red brick building with a wing, a former lumberman T. V. Chulkov, was opened the Museum of the city of Yoshkar-Ola. Interesting historical facts and events that took place in 16th-20th centuries in the city, gathered in the main exhibition "Ancient Tsarevokokshaisk". In the Museum are more than seventeen thousand exhibits of decorative arts, the collection of Ethnography, archaeology and heraldry, photographs, artwork and much more, mainly associated with the life of the city. The history Museum is actively involved in the revival of culture, national holidays, local lore holds lectures and evening meetings with creative people. In may 2005, the Museum added an exhibit of military glory. In two halls displayed the history of the great Patriotic war in the Chronicles and materials illustrating the military events.

The Museum building with patterned decorations and metal thread built in 1911 and is located in the historical part of the city. Earlier this place towered fortifications Tsarev city on Kokshaga, founded in 1584.

The Museum of history of Yoshkar-Ola is the custodian of traditions, customs, culture and life of the peoples of the Mari El Republic and its capital. For tourists interested in the history of the oldest cities in Russia, Yoshkar-Ola Museum - the indispensable maps.