Launched in 1924 as a small collection of books in the local community centre, nowadays the museum occupies a generous establishment and is an example of a well kept cultural institution. Building on the heritage of the creative atelier set up between 1966 and 1988, which hosted the work of over 120 Troyan artisans, the museum boasts an extensive and rich collection representing the masterful skills of folk artists and their handmade objects - from ceramics and jewellery to garments and utensils.

The museum’s library keeps more than 3,400 volumes of specialised literature and periodicals in the field of ethnology, history, archeology, art history and architecture, encyclopedias and albums. The institution develops various initiatives, each providing an opportunity to better understand history as well as to delve into the national cultural heritage through visual and sensory media.