The idea of creating the Center for Musical Antiquities originated in 1980, when artist and restorer Vladimir Ivanovich Povetkin gathered and voiced a unique collection of musical instruments from the 10th and 15th centuries, recreated by him based on archaeological finds.

V.I. Povetkin was able to realize his idea only in 1990. The foundation of the organization was his collection and the program he developed for restoring the legendary gusli, gudoks, sopelki, and vargans, the fragments of which archaeologists find in the ancient part of Veliky Novgorod.

After the death of V.I. Povetkin, an honored cultural worker of the Russian Federation and honorary citizen of Veliky Novgorod, his work was continued by Anton Kamensky, a specialist in musical archaeology.

Today, the ANO "V.I. Povetkin Center for Musical Antiquities" continues scientific and cultural work on the restoration of ancient musical instruments, enriching national and world culture. The discoveries and developments of the Center are in demand by both domestic and foreign specialists.

The Center actively engages in educational activities, organizing excursions, consultations, and lectures on the musical culture of ancient Novgorod, musical archaeology, and traditional folk culture, as well as holding creative meetings and public lectures.