March 23 – World Meteorological Day

On this day in 1950, the World Meteorological Organization was established.

One of the oldest meteorological instruments is the weather vane. Weather vanes were an integral part of the architecture of Old Narva. They not only indicated the direction of the wind (and sometimes its speed), but also adorned rooftops. Custom-made weather vanes carried symbolic meaning and conveyed information about the homeowner. Only a small number of these wrought iron works of art were preserved in the museum after World War II.

Weather Vane from 1648 on the roof of a house at Turu Street 6 (?).
Photo by Karl Sarap (?). 1930–1940.
From the collection of Narva Museum.

Dragon Weather Vane on the tower of Long Hermann, Narva Castle.
Photo by V. Kuzmin. 1971–1973.
From the collection of Narva Museum.

Mercury Weather Vane on display at the "Unforgotten City" exhibition in Narva Castle.
The weather vane was originally installed on the tower of the Exchange building in 1699. The tower was dismantled in 1875, and the weather vane was donated to the museum — Peter I House Museum. During the war, the vane was evacuated from Narva and returned to Narva Museum afterward.

Weather Vane on the roof of the house at Rüütli Street 24.
Photo by Karl Sarap (?). 1930–1940.
From the collection of Narva Museum.

Lion Weather Vane on the tower of Long Hermann, Narva Castle.
Photo by V. Kuzmin. 1986.
From the collection of Narva Museum.

Crane-shaped Weather Vane installed on the spire of Narva Town Hall in 1671.
The crane, as an allegory of vigilance, reminded the magistrate members meeting in the town hall to remain watchful and cautious.
1930–1940. Photo from the collection of Narva Museum.

Neptune Weather Vane on display at the "Unforgotten City" exhibition in Narva Castle.
The weather vane was originally installed on the roof of the house at Koidu Street 3.

Dragon Weather Vane on display at the "Unforgotten City" exhibition in Narva Castle.
The weather vane was originally installed on the roof of the house at Koidu Street 2.