Northern Sea Route: 500 Years of Conquering the Arctic - an exhibition-journey in the very heart of Moscow

      From May 15 to July 12, 2026, the Multimedia Space "Big Country" (Moscow, Pyatnitskaya St., 76) invites you to a new exhibition "The Northern Sea Route: 500 Years of Conquering the Arctic." This photo and video exhibition reveals the history of Arctic exploration as an exciting journey: from the first bold ideas and Pomor kayaks to the icebreaker fleet and modern strategic projects.

      The Multimedia Space "Big Country" is a cultural and educational project that inspires the study of Russia, revealing its uniqueness through folklore, geography, and multimedia technologies. Covering an area of over a thousand square meters, it features eight interactive halls: here you can feel the atmosphere of Kamchatka, see the depth of Baikal, hear the voices of the swamps of Vasyuganye, and even "recognize" regions by their scents—all thanks to audiovisual solutions that turn the journey across the country into a living experience. More than 100,000 guests have already embarked on this journey without leaving Moscow.

      "The Northern Sea Route is not just a transport artery. It is a story about the strength of human character and technology: about solutions that initially seem impossible and then become part of reality. We have brought together several centuries: from the first ideas and expeditions to modern navigation and the power of the icebreaker fleet, and presented this story through the prism of photo and video materials, making it understandable, emotional, and expressive. It is important for us that visitors do not just 'read a reference,' but feel the route and understand why the Arctic has become a space of strength, science, and the future," explains Maria Aizina, founder and director of the "Big Country" project.

      From Pomor kayaks to the latest icebreakers

      The exhibition traces a path spanning five centuries and shows how the Northern Sea Route was formed—from the first attempts to comprehend northern routes to the infrastructure of the 21st century. Guests can expect:

      — Rare photo and video materials from Arctic expeditions.

      — A visual journey of the Northern Sea Route: comparing the past and present.

      — Stories of the people of the North: navigators, scientists, captains, whose efforts made this route a reality.

      — The scale of transformation: how a 16th-century idea turned into a key transport corridor of the 21st century.

      Immersive format for children and adults

      "Big Country" is known for exhibitions that turn the topic into an experience: powerful projections, rare chronicles, precise narrative rhythm, and a sense of presence. In such an environment, the conversation about the Arctic becomes not an academic lecture, but a journey—understandable and engaging for a diverse audience.

      The exhibition features works by photographer, documentary filmmaker, and explorer Leonid Leonidovich Kruglov.

      Film screenings for the whole family

      As part of the exhibition, daily film screenings with free admission will be held for visitors:

      — "Into the Arctic" (2023) at 11:00;

      — "The Great Northern Route" (2019) at 18:30.

      Today, the Northern Sea Route is a dynamically developing Arctic system that is simultaneously growing, influenced by natural factors, and actively changing the rules of global logistics. At the exhibition, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of expeditions at drifting stations and see how modern technologies (nuclear icebreakers) are changing Arctic expeditions.

      "The Northern Sea Route is a symbol of constant forward movement, overcoming boundaries, and implementing advanced solutions. We share this spirit of innovation and strive to contribute to the development of our country, including supporting significant cultural initiatives such as the exhibition at 'Big Country,'" says Alice Shishnina, commercial director of the development company PIONEER.

      Continuation of the route: regions of Russia and master classes

      A visit to the exhibition about the Northern Sea Route can be complemented by an introduction to the multimedia exhibition dedicated to Russian regions. The cultural program also includes creative master classes: using artificial intelligence technologies, participants will be able to create personal sticker packs and author amulets.

      The exhibition partners include:

      — Visionary developer PIONEER;

      — Federal budget institution "Museum of the Navy and River Fleet";

      — All-Russian movement to support the fleet;

      — Resource Center "Arctic" Fund for the development of ecological and socially significant projects;

      — PJSC "Bank PSB";

      — Federal state unitary enterprise "Atomflot";

      — Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute.

      Such a wide partnership emphasizes the importance of preserving and popularizing the history of Arctic exploration.

      The exhibition "The Northern Sea Route: 500 Years of Conquering the Arctic" will be open daily from May 15 to July 12, 2026, at the address: Moscow, Pyatnitskaya St., 76. This is a rare opportunity to see how centuries-old dreams and heroic efforts have transformed the Arctic from an unexplored icy desert into a space of strength and technological leadership for Russia.

      Dates: May 15 to July 12, 2026

      Free admission (0+)

      Opening hours: daily from 11:00 to 20:00

      Venue: Multimedia Space "Big Country," Moscow, Pyatnitskaya St., 76

      Website: https://mmpbs.ru