State Museum of the Arctic and Antarctic

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 to the collection. Among other things the museum exhibits the original small plane, which was kept 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. The museum also details the history of the Russian expedition to Antarctica by Bellinzgausen and Lazarev between 1819 and 1821 and the story of Russian Antarctic research. The museum is currently located in a former church building not far from Nevsky Prospekt and the city center.