One of Yelabuga's, and in fact Tatarstan's, more unusual museums is the Laundry Museum which is a recreation of the laundry which was set up here in the 19th century. Water for the river was diverted in pipes and heated so that the locals could wash their clothes in what was, for its time, one of the most advanced laundry establishments. The father of the artist Ivan Shishkin was involved in setting up the laundry which not only simplified the domestic chores but also provided women with work. In 1941 it is known that Marina Tsvetaeva used this laundry whilst renting her room opposite. The museum is run as part of the Yelabuga State Historical, Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve.  Tickets can be bought from the Marina Tsvetaeva Memorial House opposite.