Abstract. In this work we present the results from two experiments dedicated to search for quadrupolecollective isovector valence-shell excitation, the states with so-called mixed proton-neutron symmetry (MSS), in nuclei around the doubly magic nucleus 208 Pb. 212 Po was studied in an α-transfer reaction. 204 Hg was studied in an inverse kinematics Coulomb excitation reaction on a carbon target. Both experiments provide indications for existence of one-phonon MSSs. Those are the first experimentally identified MSSs in the mass A ≈ 208 region.