The Vladimir-Suzdal History, Architecture and Art Museum and Reserve is one of the first museums of this type in Russia. Founded in 1958 by the Russia's Government decision, initially it united 22 monuments of architecture of Vladimir and Suzdal, included in the Golden Ring system. 54 monuments of the 12th - early 20th centuries in Vladimir, Suzdal and Gus-Khrustalny belong to the Museum now. Eight white stone architectural monuments and two ensembles are inscribed on the Wold Heritage List of UNESCO. They are: the Golden Gate, the Assumption and St. Dimitrius Cathedrals of the 12th century; the Nativity Cathedral; the ensembles of the Kremlin of Suzdal and the monastery of the Savour and St. Euthimius; and the ancient monuments of Bogolyubovo and Kideksha.

    The unique experience in restoring architectural monuments and ensembles and using them as museums has been gained by the Vladimir-Suzdal museum-reserve for forty yars of its existence. Four exhibition halls and thirty seven exhibitions created by the Museum represent masterpieces of old Russian craftsmen, book treasures of the six centuries, wonderful paintings and drawings, as well as works of decorative-applied art. For this work the Vladimir-Suzdal Museum became a State Prize Winner in 1977.