Suvorov museum is the first memorial museum in Russia created by donations of Russian people, with substantial state support.
 
The Museum was solemnly consecrated and opened on November 13, 1904 (Old Style) at the day of 175-th anniversary of A.V.Suvorov's birthday. Emperor Nikolay II was present at this ceremony and made the following record in his diary: 
"13-th of November. Saturday. At a quarter past one went to the city to the consecration of Suvorov museum. After the thanksgiving service examined in detail all the halls which were well arranged and filled enough for the opening".