About the Cosmonautics and Aviation Centre
In spring 2018, VDNH opened a new world-class museum complex — the Cosmonautics and Aviation Centre in the renovated Cosmos pavilion. The huge exhibition space, which is dedicated to the domestic history of space exploration, has become an important stage in the revival of the Exhibition.
Cosmos yesterday
The monumental building has a rich history. It has repeatedly changed its name and expositions. In 1939, when VSHV (VSHV was the first name (1939–1959), which was changed to VDNH after 1959) was founded, the Mechanisation pavilion was the biggest and the most unusual construction at the Exhibition. From the outside, it looked like a barn, where agricultural machinery was exhibited on two tiers. In 1954, the pavilion was completely rebuilt and acquired its present appearance. The exposition expanded and became known as the Mechanisation and Electrification of Agriculture in the USSR. Since 1956, the pavilion was dedicated to mechanical engineering: among the exhibits, there were details of giant steam turbines, rolling mills, and models of open-hearth furnaces. In 1961, the pavilion had a temporary exhibition called Urban Planning. From 1967 to 1991, two exhibitions were held at the pavilion and in the surrounding area: one was called Cosmos, and the other was Mechanical Engineering. The 90s, which were so crucial for Russia, were a difficult time for the pavilion as well — the exposition was closed, instead of mock-ups and stands, stalls selling seedlings appeared. However, in 2014, the idea of renovating the space exposition was supported by Moscow residents during surveys on the Active Citizen portal, and, in 2017, large-scale restoration work began, which was carried out in record time, and completed in March 2018.
Cosmos today
In spring 2018, in the rebuilt Cosmos pavilion, the Cosmonautics and Aviation Centre was opened. The large-scale exposition is dedicated to the history of the achievements of the domestic space industry. The exhibition space consists of three parts. KB-1. Space Boulevard with full-scale exhibits and full-size mock-ups of spacecraft, it demonstrates the implemented projects of the 20th century and the achievements of Russian cosmonautics. KB-2. Constructor Department tells about the research in medicine, biology and astronomy in the space sphere. KB-3. The spaceport of the Future shows modern space exploration and the development of technology, the intergalactic predictions of futuristic and science fiction writers. Moreover, here you can try out game simulators and the 5D Sphere cinema.
The Cosmonautics and Aviation Centre Exposition
The Cosmonautics and Aviation Centre takes you on a journey from the first idea of conquering the universe to space exploration projects of the future. Not only can you take a trip around the solar system here, but you can also see more than 120 unique samples of aircraft and space technology, exhibits of military-industrial enterprises, more than 2,000 rare archival documents, photographs and video materials about the history of space-related achievements.
Zone KB-1. Space Boulevard
Here you will find the largest exhibits in the Cosmonautics and Aviation Centre. The most impressive one is a life-sized model of the Mir orbital station, weighing over 30 tonnes. The other exhibits are no less spectacular: the automatic Diamond orbital station, one of the most powerful RD-170 rocket engines in the world, the KK Union descent vehicle, the H-1 booster, the GLONASS-K spacecraft, the Express-1000 spacecraft, and much more.
Zone KB-2. Constructor Department
This part of the Centre resembles a science laboratory. Here adults and children can learn about space agriculture and infrastructure. They will get acquainted with the latest research about the solar system, as well as the achievements of medicine and biology in the space sector. And the section People in Space will tell visitors about the exploits of Russian cosmonauts.
Zone KB-3. Spaceport of the Future
The final part of the Centre is located under the pavilion's dome and the surrounding exhibition spaces. Here VDNH guests will be able to go into space with the help of unique interactive simulators. Moreover, here they can learn about the structure of the universe and the prospect of space science development with the help of the Monolith exposure module. Under the dome of the Cosmos pavilion, you will find the unique 5D Sphere cinema, where you can witness the history of human conquest of the universe, from the Big Bang theory to the prospects of colonising Mars.
The Educational Zone at the Cosmonautics and Aviation Centre
The educational function is one of the most important parts of the Centre. Its concept provides not only unique exhibits but also a joint study of the past, present and related sciences. The educational zone of the Cosmonautics and Aviation Centre is more than 1,000 sq metres in size, with a broad range of modern interactive educational exhibits for children and teenagers. In this zone, visitors can learn about the history and development of the space rocket, the aviation and defence industries of Russia.
The educational programmes are divided into two age groups:
— for children ages 4–10, there is the Children's Educational Centre
— for teenagers ages 11–16, there is the Adolescent Educational Centre
The Cosmos Pavilion. Between the Sky and the Earth Exposition
The Cosmos Pavilion. The Between the Sky and the Earth exposition is dedicated to the history and architecture of one of the most famous pavilions of VDNH. The Exhibition opens up the rich architectural, engineering and artistic sides of the building, and helps VDNH guests to decipher the multi-layered cultural context of the pavilion; it also tells about the personalities and fates of the architects and artists who took part in its creation. A few hundreds unique documents, for example: photographs and drawings, many of which are shown in public for the first time, introduce visitors of the Cosmonautics and Aviation Centre to the history of the legendary building from 1939 to the present day.
Tickets
Opening times: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday.
Box offices of the Astronautics and Aviation Centre are located inside the Cosmos Pavilion No. 34 and operate from 10:45 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
You can find information about the Centre's opening times, admission fees, conditions for the purchase and refund of tickets, the rules for granting benefits, entering the territory of VDNH and other general issues via phone: +7(495)544-34-00
Admission fees
The main exposition
BUY YOUR TICKETThe main exposition
The main exposition
Sphere cinema
* Sessions are held every hour, 11:45 a.m.–8:45 p.m.; the duration of the film is 6 minutes. To get to the cinema, go through the Main Exposition. It is necessary to purchase tickets for the Main Exhibition.
Excursions
Sightseeing tours of the main exposition
Sightseeing tours are held at the Cosmonautics and Aviation Centre at VDNH: for sessions, individuals and group applications as well as for organised school groups.
Description of a sightseeing tour of the Main Exposition
A sightseeing tour around the Centre will introduce visitors to the history of the unique pavilion, which has become one of the key symbols of VDNH. During the tour, guests will see the sixty-metre dome from the inside, and learn about how the exposition inside the famous boathouse has changed.
In the company of a guide, visitors will make a trip along KB-1. Space Boulevard into the world of the history of Russian cosmonautics. Then they will walk across KB-2. Constructors' Bureau and see the first rockets and the expeditions to distant planets planned for the future. After the tour, visitors will be able to dream in KB-3. Spaceport of the Future.
Guests will find out why the word 'satellite' has been known all around the world since 1957 and which machine first photographed the other side of the moon. Guests of the excursion will be impressed by the full-sized model of the famous MIR complex, and find out what its modules were called for and what they were intended for. And, of course, they will hear all about the first flight to space in history.
In order to make the visit to the Centre as pleasant and comfortable for you as possible, please read the rules for visiting excursions in advance.Sightseeing excursions for individuals and groups
Days and opening times: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., time is negotiated individually
Duration: 60 minutes
Languages: English, German, French
Conditions: by appointment only. Appointments are accepted on office days (Monday–Thursday, 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., Friday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.). You can contact us via e-mail cosmos@vdnh.ru
To visit the tour you must:
- Fill out an application using an electronic form via e-mail cosmos@vdnh.ru. In the application via e-mail it is necessary to indicate the desired date and time of the visit, the number of visitors, the composition of the group (adults, students, seniors, children (you should mention their ages)), the name of the company and/or your first name and surname and your middle name, if you have one, and your contact phone number. When filling out an application in electronic form, you must wait for confirmation of the tour for one working day.
- You can purchase entrance tickets on the website or at the box office of the Centre, and tickets for excursions only at the box office of the Centre.
Cost of tours in English, German, French:
Each participant of the tour acquires an entrance ticket for a permanent exhibition. Standard ticket price — RUB 500, beneficial ticket price — RUB 250 or free. For more details about admission fees and conditions for granting benefits, see the Buy a Ticket section.
Payment options: cash or contactless payment. Payment for excursion services with cash or with a bank card is available only on the day of the tour at the box office.
Meeting point for the tour group: to meet with the guide, please contact the information desk inside the Centre.
Contacts
Address: Moscow, estate 119, Prospect Mira, VDNH, Cosmos Pavilion No. 34
Opening times: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday
Box Office opening times: 10:45 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday
The nearest car entrances to the Cosmos pavilion: 8/1 Hovanskaya Street or 23 Selskohozyaistvennaya Street
Car entrances are available only on office days! You can find more information about the rules and costs of car entrances on the official website.
Extra information about car entrances: +7 (495) 544-35-35
Excursions: +7 (495) 966-19-29, cosmos@vdnh.ru
Press Office: +7 (495) 748-34-20, press@vdnh.ru
How to get to the “Cosmonautics and Aviation” center from “VDNH” subway station
Exit the VDNH subway station. From the station you need to pass a square, there you will see bus stop No. 533, it goes straight through the territory of VDNH. Exit on the Matrimonial Palace stop, head towards the Vostok rocket. The Cosmos pavilion is right next to it.
How to get to the “Cosmonautics and Aviation” center from “Botanichesky Garden” subway station
Exit the Botanichesky Garden subway station. Right next to the station you will see bus stop No. 533, it goes straight through the territory of VDNH. Exit on the Matrimonial Palace stop, head towards the Vostok rocket. The Cosmos pavilion is right next to it.
How to get to the “Cosmonautics and Aviation” center from the main entrance by foot
Keep moving along the Central Alley, you should pass the Friendship of Nations and Stone Flower fountains. The Cosmos pavilion is located right behind the Vostok rocket. The walk will take around 25–30 minutes.
