The main museum in Sviyazhsk is the History of Sviyazhsk Museum, which is located just up the street from the Sviyazhsky Uspensky Monastery in former governmental buildings built between 1838 and 1840. The museum has several exhibits detailing the history of the island from its foundation by Ivan the Terrible up to the Soviet era. On display are copies of historical documents, photographs, finds from archaeological digs and artwork inspired by the island. The museum also details the history of river transport along the Volga and Sviyaga.