An up-to-date multipurpose interactive platform for those who want to have a closer look at the Arctic will be open in Arkhangelsk in December. The establishment of a single environmental educational center based on the Russian Arctic National Park was supported by Arkhangelsk Region Governor Alexander Tsibulsky.  

“Using the latest technologies you can literally feel the icy breath of the North in the visitor center: see a polar bear, get a sense of the size of a narwhale’s “tusk” and get an idea of the everyday life of polar explorers,” noted Alexander Kirilov, Director of the Russian Arctic National Park.

The center will occupy an area of 700 sq m; it is situated in the building of the Northern Shipping Company on the Northern Dvina embankment and will become a landmark of Arkhangelsk.

“It was important for us to find a place that would convey the spirit of maritime expeditions and work in harsh Arctic conditions. The Shipping Company building represents this idea in the best possible way. Its proximity to the city’s administrative center, accessible traffic intersection and spacious premises are convenient for visiting the center and the National Park museum,” said Alexander Kirilov.

He added that a gift shop with an entrance hall, a meeting room with a library and a children’s area for conducting master-classes for young people from Arkhangelsk and elsewhere are expected to open this December.

At the beginning of 2021 the Arctic Mission will also get a café, a museum and a conference hall.

All the furniture and fixtures for the visitor center will be custom-made: they are supposed to reflect specific features of the specially protected natural area.