Polar Museum Saint Petersburg – Northern lighting in the cathedral

There are some places where you can turn back time and feel like a child again. Such places are distinct and disappear every year, especially if you were born in a different world - the USSR - like myself. I like to go to the Polar museum sometimes. Located in the former orthodox cathedral it declares the main Soviet principle "not in God but in Science we trust".

When I am inside I always marvel at the Soviet Polar researchers and scientists painted on the cupola (instead of Jesus and evangelists) and the canvas of Polar nature conquered by mankind on the walls (instead of icons). There's a very nice collection of stuffed arctic animals including a big polar bear that no Soviet kid will ever forget. I also like the models of the first floating camps used in 1930, thanks to them I feel I was also one of the discoverers. Watching the Northern lights was always a highlight in my childhood and continues to be in my current thirties. Upstairs under the cupola I like the transformation of the clothes people wore to conquer the Poles - from the animals furs to the modern 100% synthetic, light and reliable materials.

Do not miss the place: the exhibition should be soon moving to a more suitable location but it wouldn't have this Soviet era charm.