Located at 15 Engelsa Street in Yekaterinburg, Russia, the Nevyansk Icon Museum is a unique private museum opened in 1999 by Yevgeny Roizman to preserve the rare phenomenon of the Nevyansk icon. When you visit, you will encounter more than 300 stunning icons spanning from the 18th to the 20th centuries. These precious treasures reflect the deep history of Old Believers in the Ural mountains, who painted strictly on commission for wealthy, literate patrons while hiding from authorities in skits.
As you walk through the museum, you will see authentic, strict 18th-century "High Nevyansk" masterpieces alongside magnificent works from Bogatirev's dynasty created up through the late 1830s for rich factory and goldmine owners. You can even view historical pieces ranging from the 1734 "Our Lady of Egypt" to the 1919 "The Saviour Pantocrator," as well as secret icons dating up to 1950 and final fragments saved from otherwise unrestorable items. Chief Curator Maksim Borovik oversees this extraordinary collection, which welcomed over 200,000 visitors in its first five years.
Offering completely free entrance for everyone, this compelling destination provides you an unforgettable window into a deeply dedicated artistic and religious tradition.
What to see at Nevyansk Icon Museum
- More than 300 Nevyansk icons spanning the 18th to 20th centuries
- Authentic 18th-century High Nevyansk artworks and Bogatirev dynasty masterpieces
- Historic icons including the 1734 Our Lady of Egypt and 1919 The Saviour Pantocrator
- Preserved fragments saved from otherwise unrestorable religious icons
Visiting tips
Take advantage of free admission for everyone by visiting between 11 AM and 8 PM at 15 Engelsa Street.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Between 11 AM and 8 PM
How to get there & what’s nearby
Nevyansk Icon Museum is easy to reach on Yekaterinburg’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Church of All Saints and Trinity Cathedral. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Yekaterinburg travel guide.
See the full Yekaterinburg travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.