The Centre of Modern Art was originally just an exhibition centre of the Chuvash Union of Artists.  It was transferred to the Chuvash State Art Museum in 1996 and in 2004 became the museum's modern art department.  It halls display both permanent and temporary exhibitions of modern art, including work by young students of art.  In addition, the centre includes the museum-gallery of Chuvash artist Elli Mikhailovich Yuriev, who was the artist responsible for designing the Republic of Chuvashia's flag and coat of arms.