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The idea of creating an ethnographic museum dates from the end of 1891. After a quarter century on the proposal of Stoyu Shishkov - teacher, researcher, journalist and publisher - the local administration decided to establish a Regional Museum. Its main purpose is the collection of materials relating to the past and present of the Plovdiv region in historical, economic, artistic and domestic terms. The museum was established in 1917.

The museum had more than 500 exhibits in 1930. The museum ceased to exist until 1938, when it was found again in one of the most representative houses in the Old Town - the Kuyumdjiev house. It was built back in 1847 by artist Georgi Hadjiski. It is typical of the Plovdiv’s National Revival symmetrical house. Experts define it as the peak of Baroque architecture in the country. Its owner was Argir Kuyumdjioglu - rich merchant from Plovdiv.

Kuyumdjiev house is part of the architectural and archaeological reserve "Old Town". The building has impressive dimensions: four floors, each with an area of 570 square meters, two large halls, 12 rooms (all with unique wood-carved ceilings) and over 130 windows. Emphasis is placed on the representative entrance hall (hayet) on the second floor under the portico of the courtyard. It is characterized by oval-shaped central part, finishing with strongly shaped wooden ceiling.

The museum is a place where you can see, touch and feel the tradition. Rich exhibition presents traditional culture of Thrace, the Rhodopes and the Srednogorie from the National Revival period. In the constant exposure agriculture and livestock are presented as the main occupations of the population of the region. Traditional handcrafts have found a place here. The most typical of the Revival period are homespun and braiding, pottery, processing of copper and iron. Goldsmith's workshop is exhibited with all its equipment in the house. Part of the rich collection of jewelry and church plate is also shown.

There is a place for traditional folk costumes, fabrics and carpets, musical instruments and ceremonial props, but very sparingly is present urban life. Interiors of Koprivshtitsa room, Rodopska room and Plovdivska parlor complete the information to the culture of the population in the region. The unique building is now a national monument.