Museum started with The Polar movable exhibition in 1922. In 1930 Museum was founded a department of the All-Union Arctic Institute and it opened its doors for visitors in 1937. In 1958 - after joining Antarctic display, the Museum renamed to the Arctic and Antarctic Museum. Finally, in 1998 - by the Russian Government Decree Museum became The State Russian Arctic and Antarctic Museum.

    Nowadays, the Museum is the only of its kind in Russia and the largest polar Museum in the World with collection of ca. 75,000 artifacts.

    Display is divided into 4 departments, and three of them are open.

    "Arctic Environment" allows to get closer to the North Pole and introduces inhabitants of the sever polar regions.

    "History of exploration of the Northern Sea Route" will tell you about fascinating and dramatic travels of Arctic explorers, introduce to the history of polar navigation from Pomor's kotch till powerful nuclear icebreaker, informs about contemporary researches.

    "Antarctica" makes possible to meet with penguins, to learn about history of our planet through studying of ice core taken from the deep Antarctic dome.

    Museum offers the different Guided tours. It has public library and lecture hall.