The exposition covering the period from the XVIII century to our days reflects the evolution of the northern region perception: from romanticized images to documentary evidence of the region development and contemporary artistic interpretations. The exhibition contains over 130 pieces of different genres and techniques. The exposition will display painting, graphic art, sculpture, photography, ethnographic artefacts and multimedia installations. Among exhibits are miniature carved icons of the XVIII-XIX centuries, pictures by first artists traveling about the Arctic: Alexander Borisov and Konstantin Korovin, as well as works by Soviet and contemporary artists including participants of polar expeditions: Fyodor Reshetnikov, Mitrophan Beringov and Igor Ruban.

A special section of the exhibition is devoted to contemporary artists and the way they continue artistic comprehension of the Arctic in the XXI century. It will recount travels by Leonid Tishkov, Arkady Nasonov, Fyodor Konyukhov and Alexander Ponomaryov. Focus will be made on the art of Nenets artists – Tyko Vylka and Konstantin Pankov whose works reflect the authentic view of the Arctic. The photographic sections of the exhibition record historical events and natural phenomena as well as the signs of the region’s industrial development, from ice breakers to polar stations.

The project shows the Arctic as a natural space with unique light and optical effects (arctic lights and polar days), a zone of scientific and industrial development as well as a cultural symbol associated with the motives of vanquishment and inspiration. At the same time there is still a focus on the region’s ecological fragility and the conventional character of human control over this territory. Combining the artistic and scientific approach to the theme, the exhibition is intended for the broadest audience and complemented by the educational program.