Тихвинский музей, Regional museum in Tikhvin, Russia

The Tikhvin Museum occupies the Archimandrite's Chambers, the State Cells and the Grain Building inside the walled Tikhvin Bogorodichny Uspensky Monastery. Its halls hold about 36,000 items, including early icons and manuscript books, an archaeological collection and displays on Russian and Veps peasant life.

The museum grew out of the Tikhvin branch of the Novgorod Society of Antiquities Lovers, opened on 21 May 1913 on the initiative of local historian I. P. Mordvinov. Its first major event was an exhibition for the 300th anniversary of the Tikhvin victory over Swedish invaders in September 1613. Nationalised in 1917, it moved in 1919 to the Kazyonnye Kelii of the Bogorodichny Monastery, and in 1941 its collections were packed but not evacuated; some were looted and part burned. It was revived in 1959 by teachers of School No. 1 and returned to the monastery in 1968.

The museum displays traditional Russian handicraft techniques still practiced in the region today, and presents works by local artists who maintain their connection to the Tikhvin community.

Visitors should note that the museum is housed in several rooms with good signage, making it easy to navigate. It is helpful to check the opening hours before visiting, as these may vary seasonally.

The collection includes rare examples of local metalwork and woodwork crafted by artisans from the region across generations. These objects showcase craftsmanship skills that have been passed down in traditional family workshops.