Address: Ulitsa Marata 24-a
Metro: Vladimirskaya
Telephone: 311-2549

Open: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm (last admission 4:35 pm)
Closed: Monday, Tuesday and the last Saturday of the month
Admission: 10,000 rubles (visitors from Russia and CIS are entitled to a 50% discount)
Photo cameras: 10,000 rubles
Video: 20,000 rubles

The dramatic story of Russian and Soviet polar exploration unfolds before visitors to this museum. From the first days of polar navigation in the Russian Far North to the modern-day research stations in Antarctica, the breathtaking achievements of scientists and travelers are covered in great detail and illustrated with authentic artifacts. The 'Chelyuskin' rescue operation which hit the headlines in 1934 forms the emotional centerpiece of the collection. Among other things the museum has a tiny plane which was on board the 'Chelyuskin' and was later used (along with several others) to carry the crew of the unfortunate ship to safety on the mainland. Plus the full history of the Russian expedition to Antarctica by Bellinzgausen and Lazarev in 1819-21 and the story of Russian Antarctic research.

The museum is currently located in a former church building. With repeated calls for the building to be given back to the church this unique collection might one-day end up out in the cold. Unless we, the visitors, come to show our support.

Top of the page