A lighthouse is a navigational landmark used to identify coastlines and determine a vessel's position. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was the Lighthouse of Alexandria, which reached a height of 150 meters. Interestingly, it is the only ancient monument that had a practical purpose and helped ships safely dock in the port of Alexandria. In the history of navigation, lighthouses have always been associated with steadfastness, hope, and a true sense of direction — that is how they are perceived today as well. Russia's shores are washed by 13 seas and more than 2.8 million rivers flow through its territory, so navigation and lighthouse service have always played an important role in the country's development. However, while there are many maritime museums in the country, the Lighthouse Service Museum is unique and the only one of its kind.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria, drawing by archaeologist G. Tirsh, 1909.
Russia's first Lighthouse Service Museum opened on July 1, 2017 in Kronstadt on the grounds of Fort Konstantin. The museum is housed in a restored barracks building from 1870. The museum's founders — Vladimir Yerger and Mikhail Borodavkin — did most of the restoration work themselves. The museum's main mission is to preserve the history and traditions of lighthouse service. The museum's collection includes authentic artifacts and giant lenses, the oldest of which is 167 years old, and visitors can learn how the 'guardians of the seas' have changed over the past centuries.
Entrance to the museum building. Photo: the museum's official VKontakte group
The museum halls are arranged as enfilades, with exhibits displayed according to theme and chronology. The first hall tells about the impact of progress on lighthouse service: how they gradually transitioned from gas to electricity. The exhibition features various 'lanterns' and lenses, an acetylene cylinder that once powered lighthouses and navigation equipment, locomotive searchlights and even car headlights. Visitors learn the operating principle of lighthouse lenses and can see Soviet models from the 1950s, which are still in service and can be found on rivers, lakes and seas across the country.
Photo: the museum's official VKontakte group
Photo: the museum's official VKontakte group
Photo: the museum's official VKontakte group
The museum's main exhibit is a giant British lens from the mid-19th century, created during the reign of Queen Victoria. The fact that the lens has been preserved in its original condition is the result of a fortunate accident. The lens was dismantled back in 1987 and was supposed to be disposed of, but due to negligence and oversight by staff it was not delivered to the disposal site and was left in a small shed in the Leningrad Region. Thus, the oldest lens on Russian territory has survived to this day without damage.
British lens from the mid-19th century. Photo: the museum's official VKontakte group
The museum staff are enthusiasts passionate about their work. A guided tour of the museum is included in the ticket price. By prior arrangement, the museum also offers guided tours of Fort Konstantin and Kronstadt.
