Any Russian citizen can embark on a polar expedition
A new interactive exhibition in St. Petersburg uses immersive VR to let visitors experience the Arctic through the eyes of polar explorers and witness five centuries of Russia’s Northern Sea Route history
Five Centuries of Arctic Exploration, Reimagined
At the Russia – My History historical park in St. Petersburg, an immersive multimedia exhibition dedicated to the 500‑year history of the Northern Sea Route is now open to the public. Running until December 15, the exhibition blends historical archives, digital installations, and modern visualization tools to trace Russia’s role in Arctic exploration from early expeditions to today’s high‑tech achievements.
Visitors can explore interactive digital panels, a dedicated section on the capabilities of Russia’s icebreaker fleet, and a series of artworks created by painters inspired by their journeys across the Arctic, the cultures of Indigenous northern communities, and the emotional landscapes of polar expeditions. Film screenings and additional multimedia content expand the narrative.
Step Aboard an Icebreaker — Virtually
One of the exhibition’s highlights is its VR zone, where anyone can virtually board an icebreaker and experience the Arctic environment as researchers see it. The simulation recreates the conditions of polar expeditions, enabling visitors to understand the scale, intensity, and scientific significance of work performed in the northernmost waters.
Children can join the virtual journey as part of the program “I Want to the Arctic!”, which invites younger audiences to explore Arctic history through an educational VR adventure called the Time Icebreaker. The experience introduces them to key events, explorers, and milestones that shaped the region.
Culture, Technology, and the Future of Arctic Engagement
By combining VR, art, cinema, and historical storytelling, the exhibition highlights how culture and technology can deepen public engagement with the Arctic. It also underscores Russia’s significant contributions to the exploration and development of the Northern Sea Route, one of the most strategically important maritime corridors in the world.
The project serves as a model for how digital technologies — from immersive visualization to interactive education — can make complex scientific and historical narratives accessible to a broad audience, inspiring future generations of polar researchers and engineers.
