It was originally built for the Russian Empire as the Svyatogor and renamed Krasin in 1927 in honor of Leonid Krasin.
During World War II, the ship was part of the Arctic convoys, transporting military supplies from the United States and Canada to the Soviet Union via the Lend-Lease program.
In 1928, it gained international fame for rescuing the crew of the airship Italia after it crashed on its way back from the North Pole.
The ship was the most powerful icebreaker in the world for several decades after its construction.
The vessel's steam engines are still largely intact, allowing visitors to see the massive scale of the original coal-fired power plant.
It participated in numerous Arctic research expeditions throughout the 20th century before being decommissioned.
The ship's structural design includes a reinforced prow specifically engineered to ride up onto the ice and crush it with the vessel's weight.
The Krasin is a historic Soviet icebreaker permanently moored at the Leytenanta Shmidta embankment in Saint Petersburg. Built in 1917 as the Svyatogor in Newcastle upon Tyne, it stands as one of the few surviving vessels of its era. The ship is a branch of the Museum of the World Ocean and serves as a technical monument to Arctic exploration. Visitors can tour the engine room, bridge, and crew quarters to observe the vessel's original propulsion systems and steering mechanisms. The museum focuses on the history of polar expeditions, including the ship's 1928 rescue mission for the Nobile expedition. Its hull remains an authentic example of early 20th-century shipbuilding technology reinforced for ice navigation. The ship holds a status as a cultural heritage site of the Russian Federation.
From the embankment directly opposite the bow for a full-length view of the ship's red hull.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear as the ship features steep, narrow ladder-style stairs and uneven metal flooring.
Bring a light jacket even in summer, as the lower decks and engine room remain significantly cooler than the outdoor temperature.
Join a guided tour if available, as most technical machinery and historical artifacts are best explained by museum staff.
Do not attempt to walk around the exterior of the ship during extreme weather, as the metal decks become hazardous.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. May be closed for maintenance during severe winter conditions.
Avoid touching the preserved instruments and machinery; do not climb on restricted areas or railings.
