Iskra Photography Museum

Museum of Photography "Iskra" in Tver

The museum is not for photographers or cameras. Unexpectedly? We offer an educational and entertainment program for the whole family!

History of the museum

The Iskra Photography Museum has been open since January 2019. It presents an exhibition showing the evolution of photographic technology from the 19th century to the present day. A number of unique cameras - secret, award, small-scale. The collection of the head of the museum Roman Kakotkin is formed mainly from objects of national photographic history. Roman is a member of the Union of Photo Artists of Russia, the author of exhibitions and the winner of many competitions. The idea of the museum is to introduce visitors to world photography through key historical facts.

Why the Spark?

This is the name of the favorite Soviet medium-format camera of the head of the museum and the well-known positive slogan of the newspaper of the same name: “From the spark will burn the flame.”

Exposition

The collection of Roman Kakotkin has been formed since the late 90s. It began with a passion for photography, then grew into a profession. Now the exposition of the museum is represented by more than 500 cameras and accessories. Something was acquired in Tver and the region, and something was exchanged or given. To make the equipment not just stored at home, but to delight, surprise and contribute to cultural enrichment, a museum was opened with the support of the Ministry of Tourism of the Tver region.

The tour of the museum consists of 4 blocks: the history of the phenomenon, the evolution of technology, a vintage photo shoot and a display of slides taken with the Iskra camera. Tourists are also given a summary of the material passed.

A unique interactive program includes a photo shoot with a real photo gun and, of course, acquaintance with the principle of operation of cameras presented in the open access.

Anyone can print a photo using the technology of silverless printing in 1842 and take it with them. Tourists will be given an informative lecture on the history of the discovery of this method and will conduct a detailed master class. The resulting prints serve as a pleasant souvenir, because it was created with your own hands, and not just bought like a magnet on the refrigerator.

The museum regularly hosts evening film screenings and lectures on the history of world cinema. More information about the program can be found on the official website of Iskra.

The Museum of Photography also invites you to group thematic excursions around Tver – this is an acquaintance with the history of the city’s sights and the achievements of photographic and cinematic arts.