Welcome to the MAF Museum
Here you will find information about all the museum's exhibits. Enjoy! ;)
PART ONE: AMAZING PLANET
1 – bizarre items found within sharks' digestive systems
bizarre items found within sharks' digestive systems
Territory: The world's oceans.
Description: Nature has programmed white and tiger sharks so that when they are hungry, they do not respond to the smell of blood and perceive any floating object as unquestionably edible. This is how pieces of plastic, tin cans, polyethylene, and soda bottles end up in their stomachs—evidence of humanity's impact on marine ecosystems.
LOOK INTO THE MOUTH OF A SHARK NEARBY AND FIND OUT WHAT INCREDIBLE ITEMS FISHERMEN HAVE FOUND IN THE STOMACHS OF THESE MARINE PREDATORS!
Structural Features: A shark's stomach consists of two parts: one serves to digest food, and the other acts as a “refrigerator” for storing reserves.
Extinction: These majestic creatures were destroyed by humans at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries.
Interesting Fact: Sharks can extract anything that cannot be digested by turning their stomachs inside out.
Significance: Demonstrates the adaptive abilities of sharks to harsh environmental conditions and emphasizes the importance of protecting the oceans from pollution.
Description: Nature has programmed white and tiger sharks so that when they are hungry, they do not respond to the smell of blood and perceive any floating object as unquestionably edible. This is how pieces of plastic, tin cans, polyethylene, and soda bottles end up in their stomachs—evidence of humanity's impact on marine ecosystems.
LOOK INTO THE MOUTH OF A SHARK NEARBY AND FIND OUT WHAT INCREDIBLE ITEMS FISHERMEN HAVE FOUND IN THE STOMACHS OF THESE MARINE PREDATORS!
Structural Features: A shark's stomach consists of two parts: one serves to digest food, and the other acts as a “refrigerator” for storing reserves.
Extinction: These majestic creatures were destroyed by humans at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries.
Interesting Fact: Sharks can extract anything that cannot be digested by turning their stomachs inside out.
Significance: Demonstrates the adaptive abilities of sharks to harsh environmental conditions and emphasizes the importance of protecting the oceans from pollution.
2 – MEGALODON
GIANT OF THE PREHISTORIC SEAS
Period of existence: 1.5 mln years ago
Megalodons were super predators up to 18 meters long and weighing over 30 tons. They fed on prehistoric whales and dolphins, using a unique hunting tactic aimed at immobilizing their prey: they swam up from below and bit off their fins.
Megalodon's jaws were incredibly powerful, allowing them to bite through the shells of giant turtles. Their teeth reached a height of 19 centimeters, which gave this representative of the fauna its name: "megalodon" translates from Greek as "big tooth."
Extinction: They died out due to climate change, in particular, the cooling of the oceans.
Significance: symbolizes the grandeur and power of the ancient world, reminding us of the mysteries and secrets that may lie hidden in the depths of the oceans.
Megalodons were super predators up to 18 meters long and weighing over 30 tons. They fed on prehistoric whales and dolphins, using a unique hunting tactic aimed at immobilizing their prey: they swam up from below and bit off their fins.
Megalodon's jaws were incredibly powerful, allowing them to bite through the shells of giant turtles. Their teeth reached a height of 19 centimeters, which gave this representative of the fauna its name: "megalodon" translates from Greek as "big tooth."
Extinction: They died out due to climate change, in particular, the cooling of the oceans.
Significance: symbolizes the grandeur and power of the ancient world, reminding us of the mysteries and secrets that may lie hidden in the depths of the oceans.
3 – trilobite
GIANT OF THE PREHISTORIC SEAS
Period of existence: 1.5 mln years ago
Megalodons were super predators up to 18 meters long and weighing over 30 tons. They fed on prehistoric whales and dolphins, using a unique hunting tactic aimed at immobilizing their prey: they swam up from below and bit off their fins.
Megalodon's jaws were incredibly powerful, allowing them to bite through the shells of giant turtles. Their teeth reached a height of 19 centimeters, which gave this representative of the fauna its name: "megalodon" translates from Greek as "big tooth."
Extinction: They died out due to climate change, in particular, the cooling of the oceans.
Significance: symbolizes the grandeur and power of the ancient world, reminding us of the mysteries and secrets that may lie hidden in the depths of the oceans.
Megalodons were super predators up to 18 meters long and weighing over 30 tons. They fed on prehistoric whales and dolphins, using a unique hunting tactic aimed at immobilizing their prey: they swam up from below and bit off their fins.
Megalodon's jaws were incredibly powerful, allowing them to bite through the shells of giant turtles. Their teeth reached a height of 19 centimeters, which gave this representative of the fauna its name: "megalodon" translates from Greek as "big tooth."
Extinction: They died out due to climate change, in particular, the cooling of the oceans.
Significance: symbolizes the grandeur and power of the ancient world, reminding us of the mysteries and secrets that may lie hidden in the depths of the oceans.
4 – tardigrade
The Most Resilient Creature on Earth
Size: 0.1–1.5 mm
Features: Tardigrades, also known as “water bears,” are microscopic organisms capable of surviving under the most extreme conditions. They can withstand both scorching and freezing temperatures, high levels of radiation, immense pressure, the vacuum of outer space, and complete dehydration.
Size and Structure: Their semi-transparent bodies consist of four segments, eight stubby legs, and a head. A single gram of dried moss can contain thousands of tardigrades. Despite this, their movement speed is only 2–3 millimeters per minute. They can only be observed under a microscope.
Interesting Fact: To travel long distances, tardigrades often “hitch a ride” on forest snails.
Distribution: Science has identified around 1,000 tardigrade species worldwide, with at least 120 found in Russia.
Exhibit Significance: Tardigrades have become a symbol of the extraordinary adaptability and resilience of life. Their ability to endure extreme environments continues to inspire groundbreaking research in biology and medicine.
Features: Tardigrades, also known as “water bears,” are microscopic organisms capable of surviving under the most extreme conditions. They can withstand both scorching and freezing temperatures, high levels of radiation, immense pressure, the vacuum of outer space, and complete dehydration.
Size and Structure: Their semi-transparent bodies consist of four segments, eight stubby legs, and a head. A single gram of dried moss can contain thousands of tardigrades. Despite this, their movement speed is only 2–3 millimeters per minute. They can only be observed under a microscope.
Interesting Fact: To travel long distances, tardigrades often “hitch a ride” on forest snails.
Distribution: Science has identified around 1,000 tardigrade species worldwide, with at least 120 found in Russia.
Exhibit Significance: Tardigrades have become a symbol of the extraordinary adaptability and resilience of life. Their ability to endure extreme environments continues to inspire groundbreaking research in biology and medicine.
5 – Egg of the Elephant Bird
Egg of the Elephant Bird
A Window into the Prehistoric World
A Window into the Prehistoric World
Life Period: 3rd century BCE – 17th century CE
Description: Elephant birds (Aepyornis maximus) are considered among the largest feathered creatures ever to have lived on Earth.
These giant, flightless birds lacked a breastbone and wing feathers, but possessed powerful, muscular legs. Some individuals reached up to five meters in height and weighed nearly half a ton.
Bird Eggs: Their eggs were 160 times larger than chicken eggs and could hold between 9 and 11 liters of liquid. Although the species became extinct, fossilized elephant bird eggs are still found today, offering a rare opportunity to study these ancient giants.
Extinction: These majestic creatures were driven to extinction by humans at the turn of the 16th–17th centuries.
Interesting Fact: The indigenous people of Madagascar used the shells of elephant bird eggs to export rum to Mauritius.
Exhibit Significance: This artifact is evidence that Earth was once home to beings that today seem almost mythical.
Description: Elephant birds (Aepyornis maximus) are considered among the largest feathered creatures ever to have lived on Earth.
These giant, flightless birds lacked a breastbone and wing feathers, but possessed powerful, muscular legs. Some individuals reached up to five meters in height and weighed nearly half a ton.
Bird Eggs: Their eggs were 160 times larger than chicken eggs and could hold between 9 and 11 liters of liquid. Although the species became extinct, fossilized elephant bird eggs are still found today, offering a rare opportunity to study these ancient giants.
Extinction: These majestic creatures were driven to extinction by humans at the turn of the 16th–17th centuries.
Interesting Fact: The indigenous people of Madagascar used the shells of elephant bird eggs to export rum to Mauritius.
Exhibit Significance: This artifact is evidence that Earth was once home to beings that today seem almost mythical.
6 – Wombat
Engineer of the Australian Burrows
Location: Southern and Eastern Australia
Species Features: The wombat is a medium-sized marsupial, somewhat resembling a small bear. It has powerful legs and claws that allow it to dig extensive burrow systems. Wombats are also skilled swimmers and climbers.
Wombats construct complex underground labyrinths stretching up to 20 meters, with multiple chambers and hidden exits. A unique adaptation is their backward-facing pouch, which prevents soil from entering and covering their young while digging.
During the day, wombats remain underground; they emerge at dusk to stretch and forage. In darkness, they rely on keen hearing and smell to navigate.
Unique Defense: When threatened, a wombat blocks the entrance of its burrow with its toughened rear end. Its exceptionally thick skin and reinforced bones make it nearly impossible for predators to bite through.
For humans, these “engineers” of Australian soil are generally peaceful and can even be kept as pets.
Interesting Fact: The wombat is the only known animal that produces cube-shaped feces. These are used to mark territory and remember feeding spots.
Exhibit Significance: Wombats demonstrate that nature possesses a boundless imagination, creating life forms that often surpass our expectations and challenge our understanding.
Species Features: The wombat is a medium-sized marsupial, somewhat resembling a small bear. It has powerful legs and claws that allow it to dig extensive burrow systems. Wombats are also skilled swimmers and climbers.
Wombats construct complex underground labyrinths stretching up to 20 meters, with multiple chambers and hidden exits. A unique adaptation is their backward-facing pouch, which prevents soil from entering and covering their young while digging.
During the day, wombats remain underground; they emerge at dusk to stretch and forage. In darkness, they rely on keen hearing and smell to navigate.
Unique Defense: When threatened, a wombat blocks the entrance of its burrow with its toughened rear end. Its exceptionally thick skin and reinforced bones make it nearly impossible for predators to bite through.
For humans, these “engineers” of Australian soil are generally peaceful and can even be kept as pets.
Interesting Fact: The wombat is the only known animal that produces cube-shaped feces. These are used to mark territory and remember feeding spots.
Exhibit Significance: Wombats demonstrate that nature possesses a boundless imagination, creating life forms that often surpass our expectations and challenge our understanding.
7 – Seychelles Nut
Exotic Fruit from Afar
Size and Weight: The Seychelles nut grows on the islands of Praslin and Curieuse in the Indian Ocean. The tree lives up to 800 years and begins bearing fruit only after 25 years. The largest nuts reach a circumference of half a meter and weigh 20–25 kg.
Islanders cherish and protect their palms and fruits. Every harvested Seychelles nut is numbered and accompanied by an export passport to regulate its trade.
Unique Shape: The nut’s remarkable shell resembles the curves of the female body, making it one of the most striking natural forms. Its palm leaves hang gracefully like birch earrings, while the nut itself evokes associations with both femininity and masculine strength.
Interesting Fact: The kernel of the Seychelles nut is not used for food, but it is the basis for the famous liqueur Coco de Mer.
Historical Note: In the Middle Ages, drifted Seychelles nuts often washed ashore on distant coasts. They were considered miraculous fruits and attributed with healing powers, including the ability to enhance male vitality.
Exhibit Significance: The Seychelles nut illustrates how nature combines beauty, mystery, and symbolism, creating forms that have inspired wonder and myth across cultures.
Origin: Praslin Island, Indian Ocean
Note: The accompanying document is a passport issued by the creator of this museum, bearing a star-shaped seal from the Seychelles.
Islanders cherish and protect their palms and fruits. Every harvested Seychelles nut is numbered and accompanied by an export passport to regulate its trade.
Unique Shape: The nut’s remarkable shell resembles the curves of the female body, making it one of the most striking natural forms. Its palm leaves hang gracefully like birch earrings, while the nut itself evokes associations with both femininity and masculine strength.
Interesting Fact: The kernel of the Seychelles nut is not used for food, but it is the basis for the famous liqueur Coco de Mer.
Historical Note: In the Middle Ages, drifted Seychelles nuts often washed ashore on distant coasts. They were considered miraculous fruits and attributed with healing powers, including the ability to enhance male vitality.
Exhibit Significance: The Seychelles nut illustrates how nature combines beauty, mystery, and symbolism, creating forms that have inspired wonder and myth across cultures.
Origin: Praslin Island, Indian Ocean
Note: The accompanying document is a passport issued by the creator of this museum, bearing a star-shaped seal from the Seychelles.
8 – Snake Skeleton
A Wonder of Evolution
Number of Ribs: up to 200
Structural Features: Despite their outward “boneless” appearance, snakes are vertebrates and possess an internal skeleton. Their skeletal structure is extraordinary: the head is directly connected to the torso, and the jaw can expand up to 160 degrees, allowing them to swallow prey several times larger than themselves. The vertebrae, ribs, and skin are interconnected by a system of strong and highly elastic muscles that facilitate snake movement.
Interesting Fact: A snake’s heart can shift position within its body, avoiding damage when large prey passes through the digestive tract.
Exhibit Significance: Snakes are a true marvel of evolution, having adapted to nearly every ecosystem on Earth and proven their resilience over millions of years.
Origin: Boa skeleton, Leningrad Region
Structural Features: Despite their outward “boneless” appearance, snakes are vertebrates and possess an internal skeleton. Their skeletal structure is extraordinary: the head is directly connected to the torso, and the jaw can expand up to 160 degrees, allowing them to swallow prey several times larger than themselves. The vertebrae, ribs, and skin are interconnected by a system of strong and highly elastic muscles that facilitate snake movement.
Interesting Fact: A snake’s heart can shift position within its body, avoiding damage when large prey passes through the digestive tract.
Exhibit Significance: Snakes are a true marvel of evolution, having adapted to nearly every ecosystem on Earth and proven their resilience over millions of years.
Origin: Boa skeleton, Leningrad Region
9 – Porcupinefish (Pufferfish)
The Spiny Dweller of the Ocean
Spine Length: up to 5 cm
Structural Features: The porcupinefish is renowned for its extraordinary defense mechanism — it can inflate its body up to four times its normal size, instantly transforming from a small fish into a spiky “football.” Equipped with powerful teeth, it uses its beak-like mouth to crush the shells of its prey. Even outside the water, this member of the pufferfish family remains dangerous: its flesh, liver, and even blood contain tetrodotoxin — a poison as lethal as cyanide.
Interesting Fact: In China, dried and inflated porcupinefish are used to create decorative lanterns and souvenirs.
Exhibit Significance: This specimen illustrates the unique strategies animals develop to adapt to their environment.
Origin: Caribbean Islands
Structural Features: The porcupinefish is renowned for its extraordinary defense mechanism — it can inflate its body up to four times its normal size, instantly transforming from a small fish into a spiky “football.” Equipped with powerful teeth, it uses its beak-like mouth to crush the shells of its prey. Even outside the water, this member of the pufferfish family remains dangerous: its flesh, liver, and even blood contain tetrodotoxin — a poison as lethal as cyanide.
Interesting Fact: In China, dried and inflated porcupinefish are used to create decorative lanterns and souvenirs.
Exhibit Significance: This specimen illustrates the unique strategies animals develop to adapt to their environment.
Origin: Caribbean Islands
10 – Australian Trumpet
The Giant Seashell
Length: up to 90 cm
Habitat: The Australian trumpet inhabits the coastal waters of Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
Behavior and Diet: Despite its impressive size — reaching about 20 kilograms — and its slow movements, the Australian trumpet is a predator. Its primary prey consists of marine worms of the polychaete family.
Interesting Fact: In Indonesia, local tribes have traditionally used these massive shells for carrying water, while the snails themselves are consumed as food.
Exhibit Significance: This specimen highlights the interconnection between humans and nature across different cultures.
Origin: Coral Sea
Habitat: The Australian trumpet inhabits the coastal waters of Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
Behavior and Diet: Despite its impressive size — reaching about 20 kilograms — and its slow movements, the Australian trumpet is a predator. Its primary prey consists of marine worms of the polychaete family.
Interesting Fact: In Indonesia, local tribes have traditionally used these massive shells for carrying water, while the snails themselves are consumed as food.
Exhibit Significance: This specimen highlights the interconnection between humans and nature across different cultures.
Origin: Coral Sea
11 – Longhorn Beetle
A Giant Among Insects
Length: up to 17 cm
Life Cycle: The titan beetle inhabits the tropical forests of South America and is considered the largest beetle in the world. It spends nearly two years as a larva before pupating, with the adult stage lasting only about 3–5 weeks.
Physical Abilities: Its powerful mandibles are strong enough to snap a pencil in half with ease.
Exhibit Significance: This specimen illustrates the diversity and uniqueness of nature, showcasing the extraordinary size and abilities of insects.
Origin: Peru
Life Cycle: The titan beetle inhabits the tropical forests of South America and is considered the largest beetle in the world. It spends nearly two years as a larva before pupating, with the adult stage lasting only about 3–5 weeks.
Physical Abilities: Its powerful mandibles are strong enough to snap a pencil in half with ease.
Exhibit Significance: This specimen illustrates the diversity and uniqueness of nature, showcasing the extraordinary size and abilities of insects.
Origin: Peru
12 – Rafflesia arnoldii
THE GIANT FLOWER OF THE JUNGLE
Origin: The forests of Borneo and Sumatra
Size: Up to 1 meter in diameter, weighing up to 10 kg
Plant Features: Rafflesia consists only of a flower and suction organs; it has no leaves, roots, or stem. Being a parasite, it grows on the roots of vines and feeds on the host plant’s sap. It blooms rarely — only 3–4 days a year.
Tourists travel to Indonesia specifically to witness this enormous bright red flower.
Scent: Rafflesia emits the smell of rotting flesh, attracting flies and beetles for pollination.
Reproduction: After pollination, it produces a fruit resembling a pumpkin, filled with seeds. These seeds are spread on the feet of large animals such as elephants or rhinoceroses.
Historical Fact: Rafflesia was named after the English physician and naturalist Joseph Arnold, who discovered the species in 1818 during an expedition to Sumatra.
Exhibit Significance: Rafflesia symbolizes the ecological diversity and unique nature of tropical rainforests. Its astonishing size and unusual way of life remind us of the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems.
Size: Up to 1 meter in diameter, weighing up to 10 kg
Plant Features: Rafflesia consists only of a flower and suction organs; it has no leaves, roots, or stem. Being a parasite, it grows on the roots of vines and feeds on the host plant’s sap. It blooms rarely — only 3–4 days a year.
Tourists travel to Indonesia specifically to witness this enormous bright red flower.
Scent: Rafflesia emits the smell of rotting flesh, attracting flies and beetles for pollination.
Reproduction: After pollination, it produces a fruit resembling a pumpkin, filled with seeds. These seeds are spread on the feet of large animals such as elephants or rhinoceroses.
Historical Fact: Rafflesia was named after the English physician and naturalist Joseph Arnold, who discovered the species in 1818 during an expedition to Sumatra.
Exhibit Significance: Rafflesia symbolizes the ecological diversity and unique nature of tropical rainforests. Its astonishing size and unusual way of life remind us of the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems.
13 – Musang
Master of Coffee Craft
Habitat: Java Island, Indonesia.
Value: The civet is the key to producing one of the world’s most expensive coffees — kopi luwak.
Unique Production Process: Civets select only the ripest and juiciest coffee berries. After digestion, the beans are excreted, collected, washed, roasted, and transformed into this luxurious coffee.
Taste and Aroma: Kopi luwak is prized for its smooth, buttery flavor with notes of honey, its aroma of dark chocolate, and its long-lasting pleasant aftertaste.
Interesting Fact: An even more extravagant variety, Black Ivory, is made from coffee beans that have passed through the digestive tract of elephants.
Exhibit Significance: Kopi luwak exemplifies the unique blend of natural processes and human craftsmanship in creating exclusive products.
Origin: Java Island, Indonesia
Value: The civet is the key to producing one of the world’s most expensive coffees — kopi luwak.
Unique Production Process: Civets select only the ripest and juiciest coffee berries. After digestion, the beans are excreted, collected, washed, roasted, and transformed into this luxurious coffee.
Taste and Aroma: Kopi luwak is prized for its smooth, buttery flavor with notes of honey, its aroma of dark chocolate, and its long-lasting pleasant aftertaste.
Interesting Fact: An even more extravagant variety, Black Ivory, is made from coffee beans that have passed through the digestive tract of elephants.
Exhibit Significance: Kopi luwak exemplifies the unique blend of natural processes and human craftsmanship in creating exclusive products.
Origin: Java Island, Indonesia
14 – Equator
Divider of the World and Place of Wonders
Length: 40,076 km
Encyclopedic Data: The equator is an imaginary line, stretching around 40,000 kilometers, that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. One of its most famous landmarks is the “Middle of the World” monument in Mitad del Mundo, Ecuador.
Historical Fact: The line of the equator was first established by French scientists in the 18th century — but their calculations were off. The true equatorial line, determined later using GPS, lies 240 meters further north.
Unique Physical Phenomena:
Exhibit Significance: The equator symbolizes both the boundary and the union of the two hemispheres of Earth, embodying the harmony of science and nature in creating extraordinary phenomena.
Encyclopedic Data: The equator is an imaginary line, stretching around 40,000 kilometers, that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. One of its most famous landmarks is the “Middle of the World” monument in Mitad del Mundo, Ecuador.
Historical Fact: The line of the equator was first established by French scientists in the 18th century — but their calculations were off. The true equatorial line, determined later using GPS, lies 240 meters further north.
Unique Physical Phenomena:
- Day and night are always equal — 12 hours each.
- On the days of the spring and autumn equinox, objects cast no shadow at noon.
- The Earth’s rotation speed at the equator exceeds the speed of sound, making it the ideal location for satellite launches.
Exhibit Significance: The equator symbolizes both the boundary and the union of the two hemispheres of Earth, embodying the harmony of science and nature in creating extraordinary phenomena.
15 – Blue Whale Heart
A TRUE WONDER OF NATURE
Size: As large as a minivan
Weight: 800–1200 kg
Features: The blue whale is the largest mammal on Earth. To sustain such a massive body, it needs an equally enormous heart and circulatory system. Through vessels as wide as a bucket of water, its giant heart pumps around 8,000 liters of blood. For comparison, an adult human uses roughly 3,000 liters of water per year for drinking and daily needs.
Heartbeat: Despite its size, the blue whale’s heart beats surprisingly slowly — between 2 and 8 times per minute, increasing to about 30 beats per minute when the whale surfaces from the depths.
Exhibit Significance: The heart of the blue whale symbolizes the strength and endurance of life in the ocean’s depths. It reminds us that the waters humans use for fishing, extraction, and transport are, above all, their home. We are only visitors — and should behave accordingly.
Weight: 800–1200 kg
Features: The blue whale is the largest mammal on Earth. To sustain such a massive body, it needs an equally enormous heart and circulatory system. Through vessels as wide as a bucket of water, its giant heart pumps around 8,000 liters of blood. For comparison, an adult human uses roughly 3,000 liters of water per year for drinking and daily needs.
Heartbeat: Despite its size, the blue whale’s heart beats surprisingly slowly — between 2 and 8 times per minute, increasing to about 30 beats per minute when the whale surfaces from the depths.
Exhibit Significance: The heart of the blue whale symbolizes the strength and endurance of life in the ocean’s depths. It reminds us that the waters humans use for fishing, extraction, and transport are, above all, their home. We are only visitors — and should behave accordingly.
16 – Iceberg
THE ONE THAT CHANGED THE HISTORY OF THE “TITANIC”
Formation: Icebergs form when chunks break off from ice shelves and can travel thousands of kilometers. The iceberg that caused the sinking of the Titanic originated from Greenland.
Tragic Event: On April 10, 1912, the superliner Titanic—considered the safest ship in the world—departed from Southampton (England) bound for New York (USA). It was its first and last voyage. On the night of April 15, the ship collided with an iceberg and sank within 2.5 hours.
Fate of the Iceberg: After the collision, the iceberg continued its drift and eventually melted in the waters of Arkhangelsk Oblast in 1913.
Interesting Fact: A photograph of the iceberg with a red streak from the Titanic’s hull was sold at auction in 2002 for £21,000.
Number: At any given moment, over 200,000 icebergs drift in the Atlantic Ocean.
Exhibit Significance: Serves as a reminder of humanity’s vulnerability before the forces of nature and the importance of technological safety.
Tragic Event: On April 10, 1912, the superliner Titanic—considered the safest ship in the world—departed from Southampton (England) bound for New York (USA). It was its first and last voyage. On the night of April 15, the ship collided with an iceberg and sank within 2.5 hours.
Fate of the Iceberg: After the collision, the iceberg continued its drift and eventually melted in the waters of Arkhangelsk Oblast in 1913.
Interesting Fact: A photograph of the iceberg with a red streak from the Titanic’s hull was sold at auction in 2002 for £21,000.
Number: At any given moment, over 200,000 icebergs drift in the Atlantic Ocean.
Exhibit Significance: Serves as a reminder of humanity’s vulnerability before the forces of nature and the importance of technological safety.
17 – El Camino de Santiago
THE ROAD OF SEARCH AND DISCOVERY
Distance: about 800 km on foot.
History: The Way of Santiago was established by medieval pilgrims traveling to the tomb of the Apostle James in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims who reached Compostela were granted forgiveness of all sins, placing the city alongside Rome and Jerusalem in spiritual significance.
Interesting Fact: Paulo Coelho increased the route’s global popularity by describing it in his book The Pilgrimage.
Number: In 1973, only 37 people completed the pilgrimage; in 2022 — 438,301.
History: The Way of Santiago was established by medieval pilgrims traveling to the tomb of the Apostle James in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims who reached Compostela were granted forgiveness of all sins, placing the city alongside Rome and Jerusalem in spiritual significance.
Interesting Fact: Paulo Coelho increased the route’s global popularity by describing it in his book The Pilgrimage.
Number: In 1973, only 37 people completed the pilgrimage; in 2022 — 438,301.
