Abstract. The article presents the history of the A.S. Griboyedov Museum-Reserve “Khmelita” from its creation to the present. Particular attention is paid to the points that determine the value and significance of this historical place as an object of cultural and natural heritage in Russia. The author proceeds from the fact that the museum-reserve is the primary level in the Russian system of protection and use of the country's cultural and natural heritage. In this regard, it is considered “Khmelita” both as an object of cultural heritage subject to state protection, and as a state institution directly responsible for the protection and popularization of cultural and natural heritage.