Though the visitors were allowed only in 2003, the museum can be called the place of particular importance, as it is a living witness of the events that took place here in 1942-1943. Today it is home to a number of original documents as well as pictures and exhibits.

In January 1943 the cellar of Univermag Department Store, where the museum is now located, was a headquarter to 6-th German Army. By this time, German forces in Stalingrad were split into 2 groups: northern and southern.

On January 30, 1943 Paulus was appointed generalfeldmarschall by Hitler who had a strong belief that Paulus would rather commit a suicide than surrender. The very next day the Central Stalingrad Department Store was occupied by the Soviet forces. Paulus refused to make an official order to surrender as he denied being a commander of the northern group of German forces in Stalingrad. 23 German generals were also captured with Paulus.

Though the building was severely damaged during the Great Patriotic War and has overcome changes in 1960-s, today you can see for yourself the place that has become a participant of the tragic war.