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Vladivostok's S-56 Submarine Model
If you're a serious collector, this model of the Soviet Navy's S-56 submarine is a must-have. I'm talking intricate hull design, authentic Soviet Navy markings - the whole nine yards. It's a valuable addition to any naval history collection, and the level of detail is seriously impressive.
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Diving into Vladivostok's Real Submarine S-56: What to Expect
summarizeEditor's Summary
The Vladivostok Naval Museum's submarine exhibit is a must-visit for history buffs and curious travelers. Located near the Naval Embankment, this real submarine offers an immersive experience, with a unique blend of educational and interactive content. While it may not be a mind-blowing experience, it's a great way to spend an afternoon, especially for those interested in the city's history and naval heritage. With its convenient location, affordable ticket prices, and fascinating exhibits, the Vladivostok Naval Museum's submarine exhibit is definitely worth a visit. I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique experience in Vladivostok. The exhibit is relatively uncrowded, making it easy to take your time and absorb the information on display. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions and provide additional context. Overall, I think many people can find something interesting for themselves, as the museum offers a mix of educational and interactive content.
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Kararİyi
Konumu8/10
Biletler9/10
Kapasite8/10
İçerik9/10
Görünüm8/10
Açıkça Saatleri7/10
Review of Vladivostok's Real Submarine S-56: What to Expect
The location near the Vladivostok Naval Museum is incredibly convenient – you're right on the Naval Embankment, and the museum is listed as 44 Svetlanskaya Street, building 5. I'm not sure why it's not listed as the Naval Embankment, but it's definitely closer. As you stroll along the Naval Embankment, you'll probably end up near the massive submarine standing in the middle of a small square. You'll also pass by the Pacific Fleet headquarters, and of course, you can see Golden Horn Bay from here. To put it simply, it's right in the center where most tourists tend to be.
You buy tickets at the kiosk on the submarine itself – there are two entrances, and you'll know which one to go to by the sign. Tickets are pretty cheap, too – 100 rubles for adults, and 50 rubles for pensioners, students, and kids. Just a heads up: they only accept cash at the kiosk, so make sure you've got some on you, as there aren't any ATMs nearby.
It's a bit of a hassle, but the tickets are cheap, and you can just carry them with you in your wallet for safety. I also want to note that you can buy tickets for the Red Banner Ship, which is moored right across from the submarine's dock, at the same kiosk. So, if you want to visit both, it's a good idea to buy tickets for both at the same time to avoid having to run back and forth.
You can visit the museum every day from 10:00 to 19:00, but I do want to note that they stop selling tickets 30 minutes before closing time. You can easily see the entire exhibit in about 30 minutes, including both halls and the submarine's interior, but I'd recommend getting there at least an hour before closing time to take your time and not feel rushed.
Unfortunately, there aren't many visitors here, which is a shame, because it's definitely an interesting place to visit, and it's right in the spirit of Vladivostok – a real submarine. We weren't alone in the museum, but the flow of visitors was pretty low. Maybe it was just because it was early October and not many tourists were around, so they came in smaller groups.
I was pleasantly surprised by the limited number of people inside. As a visitor, I found it great that there weren't too many people, making it easy to take a closer look at everything and read all the signs without feeling overwhelmed by a crowd. We had five people with us at the time, and it was comfortable for the size of the space. However, if you're claustrophobic, you might want to consider whether you're comfortable with the confined space.
The first hall is essentially the historical part of the museum. It's a long corridor with some sections separated by partitions. To be honest, you don't get the feeling that you're inside a submarine at all. It feels more like a small room with low ceilings.
They've removed the circular passageways between the sections. According to the information on the stands, there are seven sections on these submarines, and the first ones are at the rear, used for information halls. It might be a bit disappointing, but it's a museum, and they've tried to fit everything interesting into one place.
In the beginning, they tell you about the history of the fleet, the types of submarines that existed, and the ones that are still in use. There are a lot of historical photos and drawings of what the submarines looked like inside, which is helpful because it's hard to imagine it while you're there. You need to read a lot in the first halls because they're introducing you to the fleet and submarines in general.
I loved that by the end of this exhibit, there were many submarine models on display, ranging from small ones like the one in the photo below to even smaller ones, and then there was the large model. That's the kind of thing I enjoy looking at. And in this part of the exhibit, there were also many personal items from sailors who served on submarines, and many of these items were actually used during their service. For example, a compass, a watch, binoculars, personal protective gear, and more. I appreciated that there were photos of the owners and a brief story about their lives nearby. There were also a collection of awards, and a write-up about their owners as well.
I thought at first that the whole submarine would be just a bunch of halls with historical information, photos, and artifacts. I was even a bit disappointed. But it turned out that after those halls, you end up on the submarine itself, in the living quarters, in the passageways between the different parts of the submarine. That's really interesting.
One of the most interesting rooms is where the beds are literally above the ammunition. This is the last room, I think, which is the torpedo room, and that's where you really understand just how complex and dangerous service on a submarine is. People sleep right above the weapons. They've dedicated three compartments to this exhibit, so it looks like most of the submarine is actually dedicated to the information part of the museum.
I'd been on a submarine before, it was in St. Petersburg, here's my review of that experience. And there, it was just a guided tour, so we went through all the rooms together with a guide and listened to the story of the submarine, how life was organized, what the rules were. It was interesting to be inside here because many of the moments were similar, but some were completely different. For example, this submarine is bigger. In the one we visited in St. Petersburg, it was really cramped, with devices and tubes all around you. Here, it felt a bit more spacious. Maybe they did that so tourists wouldn't bump their heads, although I did trip up, but it's still a different feeling.
Checking out the surroundings inside was pretty fascinating. And when you think about being underwater, it gets pretty intense. The narrow, circular passageways between the submarine's parts are still there. I remember learning how to navigate through them on a previous tour - you're supposed to move your head, then your first foot, and finally your second foot. But even I messed up and smacked my forehead against the top of the passageway. It was a strong hit, but surprisingly, I didn't even get a bump.
I wouldn't say it's an amazing museum that'll leave you with lasting impressions. However, I found it informative and interesting. Getting hit in the head by the metal passageway was unpleasant, but even that didn't ruin my experience.
It's essential to understand that this is more of an introductory tour where you need to read and engage with the information. I enjoy that kind of thing. If you just walk through the submarine without delving into the details, it'll take you about ten minutes, but it won't leave a lasting impression. Still, I think the museum did a good job.
I initially thought I'd say that kids would love it, but that's more applicable to the second part of the museum, which features the submarine's interior, pipes, and equipment. The first part might be a bit dull for kids. As for me, if you're visiting Vladivostok for the first time, I think it's worth stopping by - you can't be in a coastal city with a beautiful port and a fleet of warships without checking out a submarine. Plus, there's enough information about the city's history inside the museum. Overall, I think many people can find something interesting for themselves, as the museum offers a mix of educational and interactive content.
Yeah, the Oceanarium isn't exactly a mind-blowing experience, and it's not like I got to sail on a real ship or anything, but still, it was cool to visit and learn something new. Ultimately, whether or not you should come here is up to you and your interests. I had a pretty positive experience overall, so I'd definitely recommend it – I'm giving it a solid five stars. It's a great, interesting museum.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What are the opening hours for the Vladivostok Naval Museum's submarine exhibit?
The exhibit is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00, with the last tickets being sold 30 minutes before closing time.
How much do tickets cost?
Adult tickets cost 100 rubles, while pensioner, student, and kid tickets cost 50 rubles.
Is the submarine exhibit suitable for young children?
While the exhibit is generally suitable for children, some areas may be a bit too crowded or noisy for very young visitors.
Can I take photos inside the submarine?
Yes, visitors are allowed to take photos inside the submarine for personal use, but be respectful of other visitors and the exhibits.
Is the submarine exhibit wheelchair accessible?
While the exhibit is generally wheelchair accessible, some areas may be a bit narrow or have uneven flooring.
Can I buy tickets in advance?
No, tickets can only be purchased at the kiosk on the submarine itself.
Is the submarine exhibit open year-round?
Yes, the exhibit is open year-round, but it's always a good idea to check the museum's website or call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
Can I get a refund or exchange my ticket if I change my mind?
No, tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Are there any guided tours available?
Yes, guided tours are available, but they are only in Russian.
Can I bring food and drink into the exhibit?
Yes, visitors are allowed to bring their own food and drink into the exhibit, but there are no designated eating areas.
Are there any facilities for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the exhibit has wheelchair-accessible facilities, including restrooms and a gift shop.
Can I get a map of the exhibit?
Yes, visitors can pick up a map of the exhibit at the entrance or ask staff for a copy.
Are there any special events or exhibitions?
Yes, the exhibit hosts special events and exhibitions throughout the year, which can be found on the museum's website or social media channels.
check_circlePros
- •The submarine exhibit is located in a convenient spot near the Naval Embankment, making it easy to visit on a stroll along the waterfront.
- •The ticket prices are very affordable, with adults paying just 100 rubles and pensioners, students, and kids paying 50 rubles.
- •The exhibit has a unique blend of educational and interactive content, making it engaging for visitors of all ages.
- •The submarine itself is a real, historic vessel that offers a glimpse into the city's naval past.
- •The exhibit is relatively uncrowded, making it easy to take your time and absorb the information on display.
- •The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions and provide additional context.
- •The exhibit offers a great way to learn about the city's history and naval heritage.
- •The submarine's interior is fascinating, with its narrow passageways and cramped quarters.
- •The exhibit is a great value for the price, with a lot of content packed into a relatively small space.
cancelCons
- •The exhibit can feel a bit like an information-heavy museum, with a lot of text and not as many interactive elements as some visitors might like.
- •Some areas of the submarine are a bit cramped, which can be uncomfortable for visitors with mobility issues.
- •The exhibit doesn't offer any hands-on activities or opportunities for visitors to get involved in the experience.
- •The audio guides are only available in Russian, which may limit their usefulness for non-Russian speakers.
- •The exhibit doesn't have any gift shop or cafe, which might be a disappointment for some visitors.
- •The nearby ATMs are limited, so it's a good idea to bring cash for the ticket kiosk.
- •The exhibit can be a bit overwhelming for visitors who are not interested in history or naval heritage.
- •The submarine's interior can be a bit claustrophobic for some visitors.
- •The exhibit may not be suitable for very young children, as some areas can be a bit too crowded or noisy.
