The town of Priozersk, like many old towns, was started as a fortress. It was conveniently located at the Vuoksa emptying into Ladoga Lake. In old days the Vuoksa water system connected Ladoga with the inner lands now known as Finland and with the Gulf of Finland by-passing the Neva River. The land of rivers and lakes surrounded by thick coniferous woods is fascinating and magnificent attracting campers and fans of boat trips.

The original fortress had been built by the Karelians, then it was taken by the Novgorodians and referred as the Korela fortress in their chronicles of the 12th century. Since then, it has been a battle-ground of the Russians and Swedes many times. The town has stayed in the boundaries of the Russian state since the early 18th century, excepting the years of the 20th century when it went to Finland.

The original design of the fortress did not survive through the ages and its present look took shape in the late 16th century. The museum exhibit is displayed in the building of the New Arsenal being a part of the defense wall of the fortress.

The collection displays archeological findings and documents revealing the events and people important for the town development. In telling the history of the fortress, the museum shows that of the town.