Государственный Северный морской музей, Maritime museum in Arkhangelsk, Russia
The State Northern Maritime Museum is housed in a converted cargo terminal building positioned between two piers along the Northern Dvina River embankment in Arkhangelsk. The structure features interior design modeled after ships, with multiple levels, narrow passages, and display cases arranged to evoke the layout of a vessel.
The institution began in 1975 as a shipping company museum and gained state status with its current name in 1993. This transition reflected growing recognition of the region's maritime history as central to understanding Russia's broader naval heritage.
The museum tells the story of how maritime work shaped local identity and daily life for generations in this northern port city. Exhibits reveal the connection between people here and the sea through artifacts that show how ships and navigation were central to survival and trade.
Plan to spend several hours exploring the multiple levels and passages, as the museum's ship-like layout can be confusing on first visit. Wear comfortable shoes since you will navigate many stairs and tight corridors while viewing the displays.
The building itself was originally a working cargo warehouse for ships and has been transformed into a museum, making the structure part of the story it tells. Inside you can find personal items like letters and journals from sailors across different periods, offering intimate glimpses into individual lives at sea.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
