Moored on Lieutenant Schmidt Embankment in St Petersburg, the Krasin is a historic icebreaker turned floating museum. Guided tours explain how the ship broke through ice and trace its history, from work in the Baltic and Arctic to its role in a rescue mission for an Italian polar expedition and service during World War II. You can see the officers’ quarters and other parts of the ship, with an hourly excursion to the engine room for visitors over 14. The preserved interior has an Art Deco feel.
A working icebreaker turned museum
The Krasin worked in the Baltic and Arctic seas and took part in a rescue operation for the Italian polar expedition led by Umberto Nobile. It also served during World War II. The ship became a museum in the 1990s, preserving a vessel with more than a century of history.
Today, the museum is aboard the ship, moored on the southern bank of Vasilyevsky Island at Lieutenant Schmidt Embankment. Its preserved interior gives a sense of the spaces used by the crew, including the officers’ quarters.
Tours through the ship
A guided excursion is the way to learn about Krasin’s history and the mechanics of breaking ice. Tours take visitors through different parts of the vessel, with an hourly excursion schedule for areas such as the engine room. Access to the engine room is for visitors over 14.
The ship has interactive exhibits as well as rooms to explore. A guide can help connect what you see onboard with the vessel’s work in polar waters and its wartime service. Check the schedule before setting out, and allow about an hour for a visit.
FAQ
Can you visit the engine room?
Yes. The engine room is visited on an excursion, with access for visitors over 14. Check the schedule for the next tour.
What can you see aboard Krasin?
The museum visit includes different areas of the ship, including the officers’ quarters, along with exhibits about the vessel and icebreaking.
How long does a visit take?
Allow about an hour to explore the ship.
Where is the Krasin icebreaker?
It is moored at 23rd Line, Lieutenant Schmidt Embankment, on Vasilyevsky Island in St Petersburg.
