Center of Musical Antiquities
Explore ancient Russian music and history through a unique collection of reconstructed instruments and passionate storytelling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music and instrument demos
Center of Musical Antiquities
Best Time
Live music and instrument demos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Russian music and history through a unique collection of reconstructed instruments and passionate storytelling.
"Absolutely incredible collection of ancient musical instruments! Original playing technic and sound! "
🎯 Weekend Music Magic
Visit on weekends for live instrument playing and a deeper dive into musical heritage.
🗣️ Engage with the Guide
The passionate storytellers make the history come alive; ask questions!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Russian Instruments
Main exhibition hall
Marvel at reconstructed instruments like gusli, gudok, and svirel, each with a story to tell.
The Art of Reconstruction
Workshop area (if accessible)
Discover how legendary founder Vladimir Povetkin brought these instruments back to life.
Musical Demonstrations
Performance space
Experience the authentic sounds of medieval Novgorod brought to life by skilled musicians.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Full Experience
Embrace the Storytelling
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Weekend Music Magic
Visit on weekends for live instrument playing and a deeper dive into musical heritage.
🗣️ Engage with the Guide
The passionate storytellers make the history come alive; ask questions!
🎶 Feel the Ancient Rhythms
Prepare to be captivated by the unique sounds of reconstructed instruments.
🎁 Souvenir Opportunities
Small souvenirs are available for purchase, a nice memento of your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Weekend Music Magic
Visit on weekends for live instrument playing and a deeper dive into musical heritage.
🗣️ Engage with the Guide
The passionate storytellers make the history come alive; ask questions!
🎶 Feel the Ancient Rhythms
Prepare to be captivated by the unique sounds of reconstructed instruments.
🎁 Souvenir Opportunities
Small souvenirs are available for purchase, a nice memento of your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Center of Musical Antiquities, praising its unique collection of ancient Russian instruments and the passionate, knowledgeable guides. The immersive experience, especially the musical demonstrations on weekends, leaves a lasting impression. It's considered a must-visit for its historical and cultural significance, offering a captivating journey into the past through sound.
"Various ancient music instruments are presented here. If you are visiting Veliky Novgorod you must visit this wonderful place with the great atmosphere. You will be told a story of the ancient Russian city, the medieval capital through acquaintance with the music of this time. The storyteller is genius, who loves her work and keeps this place. The museum was created by Vladimir Povetkin, who was a legendary person in Novgorod, he reconstructed many instruments by himself and was playing on them. The excursion during the working days is mainly dedicated to the history of the city and this amazing place while the musical instruments are the focus of the story during the weekends. Anyways, we have enjoyed music from all the instruments in the end of the story. We were about to dance as they sound amazing! We are truly grateful to the highly dedicated and professional staff of the museum. We will come back.
Гусли, гудок, варган, свистульки, бубенцы, колокольчики расскажут вам историю средневекового города. Если вы планируете поездку в Великий Новгород, это замечательный музей для посещения с семьей. Очень атмосферное место, всеобъемлющий рассказ об истории города через призму музыкальных инструментов. Гениальная рассказчица, любящая свое дело.
Это место хранит память великого мастера, музыковеда и реставратора Владимира Поветкина, кто лично восстановил многие инструменты, играл на них, был личностью легендарной и опережающее свое время. В рабочие дни экскурсия посвящена истории города и музея, в выходные - игре на музыкальных инструментах. В конце нашей экскурсии мы услышали звучание всех инструментов, очень захотелось пуститься в пляс! Получили настоящее удовольствие от знакомства с этим местом силы. Огромное спасибо коллективу музея! Очень радостно видеть таких увлеченных профессионалов. Обязательно вернемся еще!"
полиночка малышок
"Absolutely incredible collection of ancient musical instruments! Original playing technic and sound! Very well)"
Efim Luboshnikov
"Amazing place. Great excursion. We were impressed by the whole family, it was interesting not only for us, adults, but also for our daughter, the seven-year-old fidget behaved quietly and listened attentively to everything that was told. To the sounds of musical instruments, we plunged into the times of our ancestors, feeling the color of history. Thank you very much."
Наталья Егорова
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Center of Musical Antiquities is located in Veliky Novgorod, a city approximately 500 km from Moscow. You can reach Veliky Novgorod by train or bus from major Russian cities. Once in Veliky Novgorod, local buses or taxis can take you to the museum.
Veliky Novgorod is accessible by public transport from Moscow and St. Petersburg. Consider flying into Moscow or St. Petersburg and then taking a train or bus to Veliky Novgorod.
Within Veliky Novgorod, local buses are a common and affordable way to get around. Taxis are also readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on ticket prices is not explicitly detailed in the provided sources, but reviews suggest it's a worthwhile experience for the cost.
The museum's focus shifts between weekdays (history) and weekends (music). It's advisable to check specific opening hours closer to your visit, especially if you want to catch musical demonstrations.
There's no mention of needing to book tickets in advance, but for weekend musical performances, arriving a little early might be beneficial.
Yes, guided tours are a highlight, with passionate storytellers sharing the history and music. The content of the tour varies between weekdays and weekends.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
The museum features a collection of ancient Russian musical instruments, including gusli, gudok, and svirel, many of which have been reconstructed.
Yes, especially on weekends, you can experience live demonstrations of the instruments' sounds. Even on weekdays, the guides often reproduce the sounds as part of the historical narrative.
Absolutely! Families have reported that children, even young ones, are captivated by the engaging storytelling and the unique sounds of the instruments.
Visitors describe the atmosphere as wonderful and immersive, with a great sense of history and passion from the staff.
Photography policies are not specified, but it's generally recommended to be respectful of the exhibits and other visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique ancient instruments and the passionate guides. The atmosphere itself is very photogenic.
Specific photography restrictions are not mentioned, but it's always wise to check with museum staff upon arrival.
Focus on close-ups of the intricate instruments and wider shots that convey the museum's historical ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekend for the most musical experience, which tends to be a big hit with kids. The passionate guides make history fun and accessible, ensuring a memorable outing for the entire family.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
Pay attention to the weekend schedule, as this is when live musical performances are most likely to occur, offering an even richer auditory experience. The dedication of the staff in preserving and showcasing this musical heritage is truly commendable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Vladimir Povetkin
His personal involvement in recreating these instruments, and his ability to play them, imbues the museum with a unique authenticity. Visitors often speak of the 'genius storyteller' who shares not only the history of the city but also the soul of its music through these instruments.
Understanding Povetkin's role is key to appreciating the museum. It's more than just an exhibition; it's a tribute to a man who preserved and revitalized a vital part of Russian culture. His work ensures that future generations can experience and learn from the sounds of the past.
Music as a Window to History
The guided tours are designed to transport you back in time. On weekdays, the focus is on the historical narrative of the city, with music serving as an illustrative element.
This method of historical interpretation is particularly effective for families, as it captures the attention of all ages. The vibrant sounds and the engaging stories create a memorable learning experience that goes beyond traditional museum visits.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit