Central Air Force Museum

Great place with the unique displays!

The Central Air Force Museum is an aviation museum in Monino, Moscow Oblast, Russia. A branch of the Central Armed Forces Museum, it is one of the world's largest aviation museums, and the largest for Soviet aircraft, with a collection including 173 aircraft and 127 aircraft engines on display. The museum also features additional displays, including Cold War-era American espionage equipment, weapons, instruments, uniforms, artwork, and a library containing books, films, and photos is also accessible to visitors. The Central Air Force Museum is located on the grounds of the Gagarin Air Force Academy on the site of the former Monino Airfield, 40 kilometers (25 mi) east of Moscow. The origins of the museum go back to 1940 when the village of Monino was selected to be the location of the Gagarin Air Force Academy. The museum itself was founded in 1958, two years after the airfield was closed, and had 6 aircraft and 20 aircraft guns at the time. When it opened to the public another two years later in 1960, it had 14 aircraft. By early 1970, the museum's collection had expanded to about 40 aircraft. In 1990, the aircraft on display were rearranged according to design bureau and chronological order. The museum's main hall was mostly destroyed by fire in 2005. By 2013, a new hangar had been built to house the World War II aircraft. In 2016, it was reported that the museum was to close, with the exhibits being transferred to Patriot Park. Prior to 1999, the museum was closed to the public, because of the display of classified prototypes from the era of the former Soviet Union.[citation needed]. Today, the museum contains a range of aircraft, both domestic and foreign, including military, civil and special purpose. The museum also houses associated pieces, such as the uniforms, documents, models and equipment related to the aircraft. The museum is currently open to members of the public to visit.

Once again good value. Lots to see

By scanning the Satelitte view, I see several additions and relocations since 1993. I also see a B-25...which makes me wonder if thst was the Doolittle Raider from Vladevostok. The only intact of those. As a member of the Pearson Airpark Historical Society, we tried to reacquire it as it really belings in the US..but the USAF managed to bungle that all up, and they refused. As Pearson was part of Russian History, we provided a better chance to get it, but the concern was that, once the aircraft were in our hands, the USAF would commandeer it and the Russians be damned. So looks like now she is left to the harsh Russian winters to see her end

Absolutely amazing airspace museum. Some of the rarest airplanes made in the Soviet Union and Russia is here. I am highly impressed with the collection and the facts. A bit upset on the upkeep of the planes and artifacts, probably due to funding , and the lack of information and facts on some planes. Otherwise a must visit. But do come in the warm period. I visited in the winter and it was cold but still enjoyable. Would recommend to anybody. Even with children