Novosibirsk, as the cultural capital of Siberia, offers a range of opportunities for visitors to explore and purchase authentic handmade Siberian crafts and souvenirs. From traditional folk art to unique handicrafts created by local artisans, there’s no shortage of special items to bring home as mementos of your visit to this fascinating region. Whether you’re looking for decorative items, functional crafts, or cultural treasures, Novosibirsk has a variety of shops, markets, and cultural centers where you can find high-quality, handmade goods. Here’s a guide to some of the best places in Novosibirsk to buy Siberian crafts and souvenirs.
1. Vernissage Shopping Center
The Vernissage Shopping Center is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking handmade Siberian crafts and traditional Russian souvenirs. This shopping center focuses on local artisans and their works, offering a wide range of folk art, crafts, and unique handmade items that reflect the culture and traditions of Siberia.
Highlights
- Handmade Jewelry: Vernissage features a variety of unique handcrafted jewelry made with local materials such as wood, silver, and semi-precious stones. Many of the pieces are inspired by Siberian nature and traditional Russian patterns.
- Wooden Crafts: The market is known for its exquisite wooden carvings, such as matryoshka dolls, hand-carved wooden spoons, and decorative figurines, all made using traditional Siberian craftsmanship.
- Textiles and Clothing: You can find handmade scarves, woolen shawls, and fur accessories—perfect for bringing a piece of Siberian culture home with you.
- Traditional Russian Art: Browse through displays of Russian lacquer boxes, paintings, and ceramics that showcase the vibrant, folk-art traditions of Siberia.
Insider Tip
Look for seasonal artisan markets and craft fairs held at Vernissage, which feature a wider variety of handmade goods from local artists and craftspeople.
2. Siberian Souvenir Shop (Sibiryachka)
The Siberian Souvenir Shop (Sibiryachka) is an excellent place to find high-quality traditional Siberian souvenirs and crafts. Located in the center of Novosibirsk, this store specializes in local Siberian arts and crafts made by regional artisans.
Highlights
- Siberian Jewelry: The shop carries a selection of Siberian silver jewelry with traditional designs, often incorporating stones like turquoise, amber, and local gems.
- Handcrafted Pottery and Ceramics: Siberian ceramics are a great way to take home a piece of local tradition. You can find hand-painted plates, bowls, and decorative pottery that showcase the colors and designs of the region.
- Fur Products: The shop offers a range of high-quality fur products, such as hats, mittens, and scarves, made from Siberian furs that are both practical and stylish in the cold Siberian climate.
- Wooden Items: For a traditional touch, the store offers beautiful hand-carved wooden figurines, spoons, and chess sets—all expertly crafted by local artisans.
Insider Tip
Sibiryachka has a great collection of folk costumes and traditional Russian textiles, perfect for anyone interested in the historical clothing styles of Siberian peoples.
3. Novosibirsk State Museum of Local Lore Gift Shop
The Novosibirsk State Museum of Local Lore not only offers a fascinating exhibition on the history and culture of Siberia, but it also has a gift shop where you can find unique, museum-quality souvenirs. This is an excellent place to purchase high-quality handmade crafts and cultural items that represent the indigenous cultures of Siberia.
Highlights
- Ethnographic Artifacts: The shop features items inspired by the indigenous cultures of Siberia, including items like beaded jewelry, wooden carvings, and traditional clothing from the native peoples such as the Khanty and Mansi.
- Folk Art: Browse through a selection of Siberian folk art, including hand-painted nesting dolls (matryoshka), lacquered boxes, and other traditional painted goods.
- Textiles and Weaving: You’ll find woven scarves, blankets, and embroidered textiles showcasing the artistic traditions of Siberia’s various ethnic groups.
Insider Tip
Don’t miss the handmade souvenirs based on the museum’s exhibits—often unique and available only in the gift shop.
4. Central Market (Tsentralny Rynok)
For a more local shopping experience, head to the Central Market (Tsentralny Rynok) in Novosibirsk. This bustling market offers a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, spices, and, of course, handmade Siberian crafts and souvenirs.
Highlights
- Wooden Crafts: The market is a great place to find handcrafted wooden items, such as spoons, figurines, chess sets, and carvings. These products are typically made from local wood, and many are inspired by Siberian traditions.
- Fur Hats and Accessories: Many stalls sell high-quality fur hats, mittens, and other accessories crafted from Siberian furs—perfect for keeping warm during cold winters or as unique souvenirs.
- Textile Goods: Find beautifully embroidered scarves, woolen socks, and felt products at the market, all made by local artisans using traditional techniques.
Insider Tip
Bargaining is common in the Central Market, so don’t hesitate to haggle for a better price, especially for handmade crafts and textiles.
5. Gorky Central Park Craft Fair
If you’re in Novosibirsk during the warmer months, be sure to check out the craft fairs held in Gorky Central Park. This park hosts seasonal artisan markets and events that feature handmade goods from local craftsmen.
Highlights
- Local Artisans: The craft fairs often feature local artisans showcasing a variety of handmade crafts, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, and wooden sculptures. It’s a great place to meet the artists and learn about their techniques.
- Traditional Russian Folk Art: Many of the items sold at the fair are inspired by traditional Russian folk art, such as hand-painted items, lacquer boxes, and Siberian-style nesting dolls.
- Unique Siberian Souvenirs: The fair is a perfect spot to pick up unique Siberian souvenirs that reflect the region’s rich cultural history.
Insider Tip
Craft fairs in Gorky Park are often tied to local festivals, so you can enjoy both the market and the lively atmosphere of traditional music, food, and dance.
6. Artisan Markets at Novosibirsk City Events
Throughout the year, Novosibirsk hosts city-wide cultural events, festivals, and holidays, many of which feature artisan markets where local craftspeople sell their handmade goods. These markets often coincide with major holidays or cultural celebrations like Victory Day, Maslenitsa, and City Day.
Highlights
- Traditional Crafts: Expect to find a wide range of traditional Russian crafts at these events, including lacquer boxes, embroidered textiles, folk dolls, and wooden kitchenware.
- Cultural Performances: Many artisan markets are accompanied by live performances of traditional music and dance, giving you a full cultural experience while you shop.
- Unique Local Souvenirs: These markets are an excellent opportunity to purchase authentic Siberian handmade goods, often made by artisans who are eager to share the stories behind their creations.
Insider Tip
Keep an eye on local event calendars and check with the Novosibirsk Tourism Office for updates on upcoming artisan markets and craft fairs in the city.
Conclusion
Novosibirsk offers a wonderful range of places where you can purchase handmade Siberian crafts and souvenirs that reflect the unique cultural heritage of the region. From the vibrant Vernissage Shopping Center to local markets and craft fairs, you’ll find a variety of beautifully crafted goods, including wooden carvings, handwoven textiles, Siberian jewelry, and more. Whether you’re looking for traditional souvenirs or unique artistic items, Novosibirsk’s shops and markets provide the perfect opportunity to take home a piece of Siberian craftsmanship.
