State Museum of the History of Cosmonautics named after K.E. Tsiolkovsky

The State Museum of the History of Cosmonautics named after K.E. Tsiolkovsky in Kaluga, the first in the world and the largest in Russia museum of space themes, created with the direct participation of S.P. Korolev and Yu.A. Gagarin, opened its doors to visitors on October 3, 1967.

The unique expositions of the museum reveal the history of aeronautics, aviation, rocket and space technology, domestic cosmonautics from the first artificial Earth satellite to modern long-term orbital stations. The scientific heritage of the founder of theoretical cosmonautics K.E. Tsiolkovsky is comprehensively presented.

Visitors get acquainted with the activities of outstanding chief designers: S.P. Korolev, V.P. Glushko, V.N. Chelomey, S.A. Kosberg, G.N. Babakin, A.M. Isayev and others.

The museum has the most complete in the country systematic collection of museum objects on astronautics, most of which have no analogues. The museum has about 80,000 storage units.

The second stage of the Cosmonautics Museum – a modern building with an area of 12,500 square meters – was opened in April 2021. The new building forms a single ensemble with the existing museum while maintaining the dominant position of the composition, which includes the museum building, the launch complex of the Vostok rocket and the relief itself. Between the hull connected the underground passage.

Special interactive zones have been created for visitors: an interactive educational center, a scientific and adventure complex "Space Journey" with imitation of the effects of space flight, an observatory, and an interactive planet multimedia complex. The astronomical observatory allows observations of the Sun, Moon, planets and other objects in the celestial sphere, including artificial satellites of the Earth.

The 3D cinema of the latest format is equipped with film projection and sound equipment, which makes watching the film comfortable and atmospheric. Thanks to Dolby Atmos’ innovative multi-channel sound system, which creates a three-dimensional, multi-dimensional, realistic sound, viewers will hear every rustle in the film and fully immerse themselves in the events taking place on the screen. In the hall there are comfortable chairs with soft seats and backs. The hall is equipped for low-mobility groups.

Guests of the museum can visit the "Space Café" with the corresponding menu.