MUSEUM OPERATING MODE
10.00 - 18.00 - Tuesday-Friday
11.00
- 19.00 - Saturday, Sunday
Day off - Monday
The fourth
Thursday of each month is a cleaning day
ENTRANCE TICKET TO VISIT
THE MUSEUM
180 rubles - adult visitors (from 18 years old)
120
rubles - pensioners
70 rubles - schoolchildren, preschoolers
(from 5 years old)
The Northern Maritime Museum, located in Arkhangelsk, Russia, is a significant cultural and historical institution dedicated to the maritime heritage of the Russian North. Situated in the heart of Arkhangelsk on the Krasnaya Pier along the Northern Dvina River, the museum occupies a former marine terminal built in 1927, nestled between the historic Krasnaya (Red) Pier and the Dalnikh Expeditsiy (Long-Voyage) Pier. These piers are steeped in the legacy of Arctic exploration, having served as departure points for renowned expeditions led by figures like Georgy Sedov, Boris Vilkitsky, and Otto Schmidt. Established in the 1970s by seamen of the Northern Shipping Company and granted state museum status in 1991, the Northern Maritime Museum chronicles the region’s seafaring history, from the Pomor trade routes to modern Arctic research. With over 25,000 artifacts, it offers a comprehensive look at the maritime culture that shaped Arkhangelsk as Russia’s first seaport and a gateway to the Arctic.
The Northern Maritime Museum was founded in the 1970s, driven by the
initiative of the Northern Shipping Company’s seamen, who sought to
preserve the maritime heritage of Arkhangelsk, a city historically known
as Russia’s “Gateway to the Arctic.” Arkhangelsk, established as
Russia’s first seaport in the 16th century, played a pivotal role in
trade, shipbuilding, and Arctic exploration. The museum’s creation was a
response to the need to document and celebrate this legacy, particularly
the contributions of the Pomors—indigenous seafarers of the White Sea
region—and later explorers and naval figures.
In 1991, the museum
achieved state museum status, formalizing its role as a cultural
institution. Its location in a former marine terminal, constructed in
1927, ties it directly to the maritime activities of the early 20th
century. The terminal’s proximity to the Krasnaya Pier (formerly
Sobornaya or Cathedral Pier until 1917) and the Long-Voyage Pier
underscores its historical significance, as these piers were launch
points for legendary Arctic expeditions. The museum’s development
reflects a broader Soviet and post-Soviet effort to preserve regional
histories, with Arkhangelsk’s maritime past serving as a cornerstone of
its identity.
The Northern Maritime Museum is housed in a modest yet historically
significant building, the former marine terminal at Emb. Severnoi Dviny,
80, Arkhangelsk. The terminal’s utilitarian design, typical of early
Soviet architecture, reflects its original function as a hub for
maritime logistics. Its location in the historical heart of Arkhangelsk,
along the Northern Dvina River, places it within a vibrant cultural
corridor that includes landmarks like St. Nicholas Church and E.
Plotnikova’s Estate Museum. The museum’s setting between the Krasnaya
and Long-Voyage Piers enhances its connection to the city’s seafaring
past, offering visitors scenic views of the river and nearby wooden ship
restaurants, such as one docked opposite the museum.
The
building’s interior is organized to maximize the display of its
extensive collection, with two main thematic sections spread across
multiple floors. While the structure itself is not architecturally
ornate, its functional design and prime riverside location make it an
ideal venue for showcasing maritime artifacts. The museum’s
accessibility is enhanced by its proximity to hotels like “Dvina,”
“PUR-Navolok,” “Stolica Pomorya,” and the “Troika Hostel,” all within
walking distance.
The Northern Maritime Museum’s collection comprises approximately
25,000 items, ranging from ship models to navigational tools, documents,
and personal artifacts. The museum’s permanent exhibition is divided
into two thematic sections, each exploring a distinct era of maritime
history in the Russian North:
The Age of Sailing Fleet
This
section covers the early maritime history of the region, from the 12th
to the early 20th century. It highlights the Pomors’ seafaring
traditions, including their trade routes to Grumant (Svalbard) and
Mangazeya, a 17th-century Siberian trading post. Key exhibits include:
Pomor Artifacts: Tools, clothing, and navigational instruments used by
Pomor sailors, showcasing their resilience in navigating the White and
Barents Seas.
Ship Models: Miniature replicas of kochs (traditional
Pomor vessels) and other sailing ships, illustrating the evolution of
shipbuilding in the Russian North.
Peter the Great’s Shipyard:
Artifacts related to the Solombala shipyard, established by Peter the
Great in the late 17th century, which marked the beginning of Russia’s
formalized naval presence in Arkhangelsk.
Historical Documents: Maps,
logbooks, and trade records detailing early Arctic exploration and
commerce.
The Age of Motor Vessels
This section focuses on the
20th century, emphasizing the technological advancements and Arctic
exploration that defined modern maritime history. Highlights include:
Arctic Expeditions: Exhibits on the expeditions of Georgy Sedov, Boris
Vilkitsky, and Otto Schmidt, including photographs, equipment, and
personal items. These displays emphasize Arkhangelsk’s role as a staging
ground for polar research.
World War II: A dedicated second-floor
gallery explores the role of the Northern Fleet and Allied convoys
(e.g., the Murmansk convoys) during WWII, featuring naval equipment,
uniforms, and wartime memorabilia.
Modern Shipping: Artifacts from
the Northern Shipping Company, including models of steamships and
icebreakers used in the Northern Sea Route (NSR).
Scientific
Research: Displays on 20th-century Arctic research, including
oceanographic tools and environmental monitoring equipment.
The
museum’s collection is notable for its diversity, encompassing not only
physical artifacts but also cultural items like paintings, sculptures,
and literature related to the sea. Standout pieces include detailed ship
models, which are a focal point for maritime enthusiasts, and rare
photographs documenting Arctic expeditions. The museum also preserves
items tied to the broader cultural heritage of the Pomors, such as
traditional fishing gear and household objects reflecting their
seafaring lifestyle.
The Northern Maritime Museum serves as a vital repository of
Arkhangelsk’s maritime identity, preserving the legacy of the Pomors and
the city’s role in Russia’s naval and exploratory history. Its focus on
the Russian North distinguishes it from larger institutions like the
Central Naval Museum in St. Petersburg, which covers the broader history
of the Russian Navy. The museum’s emphasis on regional history aligns
with the cultural narrative of Arkhangelsk as the “cradle of Russian
shipbuilding,” a legacy initiated by Peter the Great’s establishment of
the Solombala shipyard.
Scientifically, the museum contributes to
the study of Arctic maritime history through its research projects and
collaborations. It organizes conferences, seminars, and lectures, often
in partnership with institutions like Lomonosov Moscow State
University’s Marine Research Centre, which studies the environmental
impact of the Northern Sea Route. The museum’s collection supports
academic research on shipbuilding, navigation, and Arctic ecology, while
its exhibitions educate the public about the region’s ecological
fragility and the importance of sustainable maritime practices.
Culturally, the museum fosters a sense of pride in Arkhangelsk’s
seafaring heritage. It participates in international and interregional
projects, promoting the region’s history through exhibitions abroad and
partnerships with other maritime museums. Events like film screenings,
concerts, and book presentations create an open, community-oriented
space, while educational programs engage younger audiences in the
history and science of the Arctic.
The Northern Maritime Museum offers a rich, immersive experience for
visitors, though its accessibility for non-Russian speakers is limited.
Key aspects of the visitor experience include:
Exhibitions: The
two main thematic sections are well-organized, with displays arranged
chronologically to guide visitors through the evolution of maritime
culture. The ship models and WWII gallery are particularly popular, with
the latter offering a poignant look at the sacrifices of the Northern
Fleet.
Events and Activities: The museum hosts a variety of events,
including:
Guided tours (primarily in Russian) that provide detailed
insights into the exhibits.
Educational workshops for children and
students, focusing on navigation, shipbuilding, and Arctic ecology.
Cultural events like concerts and film screenings, often tied to
maritime themes.
Scientific conferences and lectures on Arctic
exploration and environmental conservation.
Accessibility: The
museum is centrally located, easily reachable by foot from nearby hotels
and public transport stops. Its riverside setting enhances the
experience, with opportunities to explore the Northern Dvina embankment
and nearby attractions.
Language Barriers: As noted in visitor
reviews, most exhibit labels and tours are in Russian, which can be a
challenge for international tourists. Audio guides or English-speaking
staff are not consistently available, though some visitors report
friendly staff willing to assist with basic explanations.
Amenities:
The museum has basic facilities, including a small gift shop with
maritime souvenirs. A wooden ship restaurant across from the museum
offers dining with a nautical ambiance, enhancing the overall
experience.
Cost and Hours: Admission fees are reasonable (specific
prices vary, but typically align with other regional museums, around
100–300 rubles). The museum operates standard hours, generally 10 AM–6
PM, with closures on Mondays or specific holidays; visitors should check
the official website (northernmaritime.ru) for updates.
Visitor
reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor highlight the museum’s charm,
particularly for those interested in maritime history. The “old-century”
atmosphere, created by artifacts like miniature ships and navigational
tools, is a frequent point of praise. However, the lack of English
translations and the building’s modest condition are noted drawbacks.
The Northern Maritime Museum is a key attraction in Arkhangelsk,
complementing the city’s other cultural sites, such as the Arkhangelsk
Regional Museum, the Fine Arts Museum, and the Malye Korely Open-Air
Museum, which showcases Pomor architecture. Its location along the
Northern Dvina River places it within a walkable cultural hub, ideal for
tourists exploring Arkhangelsk’s historic center. The museum’s focus on
Arctic exploration ties it to broader regional narratives, as
Arkhangelsk remains a key port for the Northern Sea Route, a 5,600-km
shipping lane connecting Eurasia to the Asia-Pacific.
For
tourists, the museum offers a window into the Russian North’s unique
history, distinct from the imperial grandeur of St. Petersburg or
Moscow. Its proximity to other maritime-related sites, like the
Solombala shipyard’s historical markers, enhances its appeal for history
buffs. The museum’s role in promoting cultural and educational tourism
aligns with Arkhangelsk’s broader tourism strategy, which emphasizes its
Arctic heritage and natural beauty, including nearby attractions like
the White Sea coast and the Kenozersky National Park.
The Northern Maritime Museum faces several challenges:
Language Accessibility: The lack of English or multilingual signage
limits its appeal to international visitors, a common issue in regional
Russian museums.
Funding and Maintenance: Like many regional
institutions, the museum operates with limited resources, which may
affect exhibit upkeep and infrastructure improvements.
Tourism
Infrastructure: Arkhangelsk’s remoteness (approximately 1,000 km from
Moscow) and limited international flight connections can deter foreign
tourists, though domestic tourism is growing.
Opportunities
include:
Digital Engagement: Expanding online exhibits or virtual
tours could broaden the museum’s reach, especially for international
audiences.
Environmental Focus: Leveraging its research on the
Northern Sea Route’s ecological impact could position the museum as a
leader in Arctic conservation discussions, aligning with global
sustainability goals.
International Collaboration: Partnerships with
maritime museums in Norway, Canada, or Greenland could enhance its
global profile, given the shared Arctic heritage.