Established on 2 June 1965, the Museum in Svidník now bears the name of the Military Historical Institute. On 4 October 1969, which was the 25 anniversary of the Battle of the Dukla Pass, the first exhibition was opened.

The main exhibition documents military history in the region of Eastern Slovakia from 1914 until 1945. It highlights the military and strategic importance of the Dukla Pass during both world wars. The first part of the exhibition documents the history of World War I in the border areas in Eastern Slovakia. Particular attention was given to the offensive strategy at the Dukla Pass in 1914.