The museum originates from the Model Chamber, founded by Peter I in 1709. The entire history of the Russian fleet is reflected in the museum's extensive collection. In 1805, the "Maritime Museum" was established, the basis of the collection of which was the collection of exhibits from the Model Chamber. In 1908, the museum was named after its founder, Emperor Peter the Great. The museum received its current name in 1924. Initially, the museum was located in the building of the Main Admiralty, and in 1939 it moved to the building of the former Stock Exchange. In February 1941, the exposition was opened in new halls. The history of the Russian fleet is visually presented in 10 halls of the main exposition of the museum on the first floor. On the second floor there are three halls of the exhibition complex, where temporary exhibitions of museum items, as well as items from the collections of other museums and private collections, are held. Over the three centuries of its existence, the museum has become an integral part of the Navy, and the history of the museum is part of the naval history.