Russian State Museum of the Arctic and Antarctic

RSMAA is the only cultural and educational institution in Russia and the largest in the world, comprehensively covering polar themes, a kind of local history museum of polar countries. The scientific concept of the museum was created under the guidance of leading Soviet polar scientists. A significant part of the inhabitants of St. Petersburg to one degree or another is involved in the scientific and production process associated with the development of the North. These people make up a significant part of the audience of our museum, they come here themselves, bring their children and grandchildren.

The history of the museum began with a series of Traveling Polar Exhibitions (1922-1935). In 1930, by order of the Presidium of the CEC of the USSR, the All-Union Arctic Institute was formed, and with it as a department - the Museum of the Arctic. After reconstruction and renovation, in 1937 the Arctic Museum opened its doors to the first visitors. In connection with the beginning of scientific research in Antarctica in 1956-58, the museum opens a new department "Antarctica" and receives a new name, now it is the Museum of the Arctic and Antarctic. In 1998, by the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation, the museum was separated from the institute and became a state institution. Currently, there are three departments in the exposition: Nature of the Arctic; History of Research and Development of the Northern Sea Route; Antarctica.