National Institution Museum Kumanovo dates back to 1964 under the name National Museum Kumanovo. The museum building was a villa of the famous industrialist Živko Stojiljković, built in 1926 with typical features of old city architecture. It is located in the city center.

In 2004 it was re-registered as National Institution Museum Kumanovo. The permanent exhibition has around 7000 exhibits from the collections that are the result of field research and scientific processing (archaeology, history and ethnology).

For its research, exhibition, publishing, and cultural and educational activities, the museum has won several awards and recognitions, including the November Award twice, in 1972 and 1986.