We all want to relax and at the same time learn something new. To do this, it is not necessary to go far and spend a lot of money. Near Moscow is full of interesting entertainments, one of such places is the Central Museum of the Air Force of the Russian Federation, or simply the Museum of Aviation will be discussed in this article.
Who is interested in aviation exhibitions?
Aviation museums may be of interest not only to technology enthusiasts, but to them in the first place. Many people come to such establishments to just see something unusual for themselves, find themselves in an exotic setting, even go back to another time. These cultural and educational institutions may be of particular interest to children and even those who have never flown an airplane.
There are several major aviation exhibitions around the world. The equipment presented at them can be both the oldest and the latest, not yet received in mass production.
Campaigns in aviation museums may be of interest to groups of schoolchildren and students, foreigners, people who remember the Soviet Union, in which aircraft modeling was given due attention, as well as to everyone who wants to spend an unusual and colorful day off.
Monino Aviation Museum
Very close to Moscow, in Monino, is such an aviation museum. It is considered the largest and most famous in the Russian Federation and beyond.
On one of the Internet sites there is a good translation of information about this center into many languages. And not only in English and German, but also in French, Italian, Polish, Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Chinese. There is also a schedule of trains to Monino.
It presents various samples of Soviet aircraft, modern Russian aircraft, American aircraft, including amphibious aircraft, attack aircraft and drones.
The museum is in a beautiful location surrounded by pine forests. The most interesting thing is that most of it is located in the open air and is a huge airplane-helicopter field, the size of which is impressive.
Particular attention is drawn to the ancient Soviet and American technology from the Second World War. Her age is visually felt, however, she is perfectly preserved and now serves as exhibits, having gained a second life. An interesting collection of military and transport aircraft and helicopters, as well as aircraft of the Su and Mig series, from the oldest to the most modern.
Also in the museum you will find: various samples of aircraft engines and aircraft weapons, rescue equipment, other equipment and personal items of aviation celebrities.
On the official website in the section "Museum of Aviation: Photos" you can see the photographs of airplanes, helicopters and other aircraft presented in it.
You can also carry out a virtual trip. But the most interesting thing is to visit the museum yourself, wander among the planes. This can be done both individually and as part of an excursion group.
On some days, visitors are even given the opportunity to sit in the cockpit at the helm, dream and feel like a real pilot.
Historical excursion
All aviation museums have their own unique history, and the exhibition of exhibits in Monino is no exception. It dates back to 1958, when a military airfield was closed in the military town of Monino, leaving only repair shops. On their basis, having converted the hangars into pavilions, they created an aviation museum, outdated equipment for which was collected from all military units.
The first exhibit was the Tu-4, and in 1958 there were already about 30 vehicles there. In early 1960, the first visitors were received.
After 20 years, the museum consisted of about 80 aircraft samples; it was visited not only by Soviet citizens, but also by foreigners.
In 2003, the famous exhibition turned 45 years old. On her anniversary were attended by many famous aviators. In 2004, the first international air show was held next to the museum, and the exhibition “Assy from the Second World War” was also organized. Similar shows are held now.
Today, the museum has approximately 37 thousand different exhibits, and the collection is constantly growing. According to the site of the expocenter of Polish aviation, the Russian counterpart in Monino is 13th among the 14 largest aviation museums in the world.
Similar places in the world
Other countries also have their own aviation museums. The largest in the CIS is the State Aviation Museum in Kiev - it is the largest and newest in the country: it was opened in 2003 for the centenary of world aviation. Today it has more than 70 units of aircraft and helicopter technology. Here, aviation festivals are held every year, to which children under 14 are allowed free of charge, educational programs are being implemented. This museum provides film companies with the possibility of filming on their territory. On his website you can see a virtual exhibition of aircraft and helicopters, as well as buy various souvenirs.
The Belarusian Aviation Museum operates on the basis of the DOSAAF RB flying club, has a good collection of civil, military, police and training aircraft. Many instances have been restored from scratch. Helicopters and airplanes are nicely painted; you can climb into many of them and study the cabin from the inside. The flying club also hosts parachute jumping and demonstration flights.
In the European Union, the Latvian Aviation Museum is the closest to us - the largest in the Baltic States. It was created over 40 years and opened since 1997. It stores more than 40 units of aircraft and helicopters; it exists independently: without state support. There you can see the largest collection of Soviet military and civil aviation equipment outside the former USSR. Also presented are rocket models, weapons, bombs, catapults, flight uniforms.
A small aviation museum is located in the Lithuanian city of Kaunas, it is opened in honor of the Lithuanian pilots Darius and Girenas, who made the first transatlantic flight in history.
You can not ignore the Polish Museum of Aviation, which is located in Krakow. It has been operating since 1964 on the basis of the old airfield, which operated from 1912 to 1963. It presents various equipment of all times and countries: airplanes, helicopters, fighters, airplanes, a huge collection of engines. The museum organizes educational programs for children, youth, retirees, people with disabilities, films about aviation are shown.
If we talk about very distant lands, then similar museums in terms of theme and size are still in the USA, Canada and Australia. The largest exhibitions are in Washington, including the Museum of the Future Aviation.
Museum of Aviation: Address
The museum is located at the following address: Moscow region, pos. Monino, st. Museum, 1, that is, you have to go, in fact, in the suburbs. However, a trip there will not cause any special problems, because there are no difficulties with transport.
Often, tourists who want to visit the aviation museum are interested in how to get to it. You can get to the appointed point in the following ways:
- By train to Monino from the Yaroslavl station of Moscow to the station. "Monino";
- by bus No. 322 from the metro station "Partizanskaya" to the stop "Air Force Academy";
- shuttle taxi No. 362 from the Shchelkovo bus station (metro station "Shchelkovo"), go to the final one.
To clarify all issues related to visiting the museum, you can call +7 (495) 747-39-28.