Exhibition 'Floating Lighthouse Irbensky'

About exhibition

The floating lighthouse 'Irbensky' is the last manned floating lighthouse ever built in the world; it served as a prominent landmark among the numerous reefs, sandbanks and shoals that sailors had to navigate. The vessel is 43.4 m long, with a full-load displacement of 672 tons. Its design incorporates the accumulated experience in the construction and operation of lightvessels, with special attention paid to autonomy, safety and crew comfort. The exhibition introduces visitors to this unique historic ship — the only vessel of its type preserved in Russia. The history of lighthouse service development in Russia is presented in the displays 'Maritime Heritage of the Baltic', 'Ship Museums' and 'Lighthouses on Canvas'. In the ship's hold visitors will see a map of the Baltic Sea marking museum ships, as well as artistic depictions of Baltic lighthouses, and can watch a film about the development of the lighthouse service. The ship itself illustrates the workings of floating lighthouses and the history and layout of the 'Irbensky': the light mast, wheelhouse, room for the lighthouse apparatus, living cabin, wardroom and galley are open to visitors. Guests can hear the voice of the lighthouse and a recording of communications. From the decks of the 'Irbensky' there is a wonderful view of the museum embankment.