Posts: 47894 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-16-2013 07:07 AM
The largest ever festival of Russian and British culture is being launched in hundreds of events across both countries in 2014, including a giant exhibition at the Science Museum in London next autumn on the Soviet space program, The Guardian reports.
...including real spacecraft, recreating the excitement of the years between 1957 when Sputnik was launched, and 1961 when the rest of the world watched in astonishment as first a Russian dog and then a Russian man became the first earthlings to look down on the small blue planet.
The director of the Science Museum, Ian Blatchford, said such an exhibition, the science equivalent of the British Museum's legendary Tutankhamun exhibition, had long been a dream of his curators. It will include many objects from museums, space centres and archives which have never left Russia before and in many cases never been exhibited there either.
posted 11-16-2013 09:59 AM
I feel a trip to London is going to happen.
crash Member
Posts: 339 From: West Sussex, England Registered: Jan 2011
posted 11-16-2013 01:22 PM
Yes, indeed Chris!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47894 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-10-2014 08:25 AM
Science Museum release
Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age
Discover dramatic stories of Russian space exploration this new temporary exhibition. Opening November 2014 and running for 6 months.
For the first time in the UK, the remarkable story of Russian scientific and technological ingenuity that kick-started the space age is to be explored in a landmark new exhibition at the Science Museum.
Cosmonauts will bring to life the stories of Russian space endeavour to dramatic life through a unique collection of space artefacts, many of which have never before been seen either outside Russia.
In 1957 Soviet Russia launched Sputnik, the world's first artificial satellite, and four years later it sent the first human into space - Yuri Gagarin. However, the story of Russian space exploration is much older. Cosmonauts will explore the science and technology of Russian space travel in its cultural and spiritual context, revealing a deep rooted national yearning for space that was shaped by the turbulent early decades of the twentieth century.
Amongst the star objects on display will be real, cosmonaut-flown spacecraft, pioneering rocket engines, space suits and other life support systems. There will also be examples of the personal and poignant - memorabilia belonging to some of the biggest names in spaceflight.
Cosmonauts represents a major collaboration between the Moscow State Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics and the Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, and draws on the support of many institutions and individuals in the UK and Russia to bring together the most significant collection of space artefacts ever to leave Russia.
Further information about the exhibition will be available here over the coming months.
(Information regarding the companion book to this exhibition can be found here.)
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47894 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-10-2014 09:30 AM
Previously set to open next month, "Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age" has been "delayed, with a new opening date expected next year," The Independent reports.
The Science Museum has denied that the postponement of its "Cosmonauts" exhibition of Russian spacecraft was caused by political tensions between Britain and Russia.
...the Art Newspaper reported that "Cosmonauts" had fallen victim to the Moscow authorities placing increased bureaucratic obstacles over loans to London, following the imposition of Western sanctions in response to Russia's support for rebel forces in Ukraine.
Opens 18 September 2015 Exhibition will be open until 22.00 every Friday
In 1957 Russia launched the world's first artificial satellite, Sputnik, into space and just four years later sent the first ever human – Yuri Gagarin. Discover the dramatic story of how Russia turned the dream of space travel into a reality and became the first nation to explore space in this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition.
Cosmonauts will reveal the most significant collection of Russian spacecraft and artefacts ever to be shown in the UK. Come face-to-face with Vostok-6, the capsule flown by Valentina Tereshkova, the first ever woman in space, and examine the fascinating gadgets cosmonauts need to live in space, including a shower, toilet, medical instruments and survival kits for crash landings.
Explore the historical, cultural and spiritual context of Russian space travel, shaped especially by the turbulent early decades of the twentieth century. See poignant testimonies and memorabilia belonging to some of the biggest names in spaceflight and discover the deeply personal stories of the pioneers who kick-started the space age.
Paul Littler Member
Posts: 70 From: Brentwood, Essex, UK Registered: Jul 2003
posted 05-21-2015 02:24 PM
Looking forward to seeing Vostok 6 in London. Booked the tickets for my birthday!
paulus humungus Member
Posts: 400 From: Burton, Derbyshire, England Registered: Oct 2005
posted 09-07-2015 02:14 PM
There was a very interesting preview of the London Science Museum Cosmonaut exhibition on British television during the Andrew Marr show on Sunday 6th September 2015. You can view this until the end of September 2015 on the BBC iplayer at bbc.co.uk. Search for "the Andrew Marr show" dated 6th September . The feature starts at 31.27.
tetrox Member
Posts: 142 From: London England Registered: Jan 2008
posted 09-17-2015 10:14 AM
I have seen the new "Cosmonauts" exhibit, which opens this week, and is certain to prove popular, though there is a no photography policy, which might not be.
The rational is damage to exhibits by flash, which I can understand maybe with manuscripts but most of the other exhibits have been on open display in Russia without these restrictions. There may of course have been these conditions in loaning the exhibits.
cspg Member
Posts: 6288 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
The capsule that launched the first woman into space, the most complete Soviet lunar lander still in existence and the 80-year-old original drawings of a Russian rocket pioneer are among the more than 150 rare Soviet-era space relics now on display in London.
Billed as the greatest exhibition of Soviet spacecraft and artifacts ever to be seen outside of Russia, "Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age" opened to the public Friday (Sept. 18) at the Science Museum in South Kensington. Years in the making, the unprecedented exhibition is the result of a partnership between the museum, the State Museum and Exhibition Center Rosizo in Moscow and Russia's Federal Space Agency Roscosmos.
"'Cosmonauts' is a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition that has taken years of dedication and skill to make a reality," said Ian Blatchford, the director of the Science Museum. "The Russian space program is one of the great intellectual, scientific and engineering successes of the 20th century and I am thrilled that we have been able to bring together such an outstanding collection of Russian space artifacts to celebrate these achievements."
Ian Limbrey Member
Posts: 167 From: England Registered: Nov 2012
posted 09-18-2015 10:28 AM
This must be the first time that a LEM (although a replica but a very good one at that) and the proposed actual Russian lunar lander have appeared in the same building at the same time!
Prior to the opening of the exhibition in London, Valentina Tereshkova was interviewed on the BBC standing next to her capsule Vostok 6 which she called 'her baby'! For 78 years old, she looked amazing and very humble at what she had achieved! One incredible lady!
Tom Member
Posts: 1632 From: New York Registered: Nov 2000
posted 09-19-2015 01:41 PM
Any chance this exhibit will be coming to the U.S. anytime soon?
OLDIE Member
Posts: 321 From: Portsmouth, England Registered: Sep 2004
posted 09-19-2015 04:14 PM
I first visited Russia in the 1970s and 1980s. On these visits I saw much of interest, including a visit to the Tsiolkovsky Museum in Kaluga, and Star City (never did get to Baikonur though!).
I visited the new exhibition wondering whether there was much new to see. It was well worth the trip.
Solarplexus Member
Posts: 120 From: Norway Registered: Jan 2014
posted 09-19-2015 05:19 PM
Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space, talks about her historic journey into space with Science Museum director Ian Blatchford.
Tereshkova visited the Science Museum to open Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age, the greatest exhibition of Soviet spacecraft and artefacts ever to be seen outside Russia.
Wehaveliftoff Member
Posts: 2343 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 09-19-2015 06:23 PM
Wish I'd have been there.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47894 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-19-2015 06:30 PM
quote:Originally posted by Tom: Any chance this exhibit will be coming to the U.S. anytime soon?
There's no word yet if the exhibit is traveling anywhere next, let alone the U.S., but I share in the implied sentiment. It would be a shame, given the number of years it took to put together, if the exhibition were only to exist for six months.
Blackarrow Member
Posts: 3408 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
posted 09-21-2015 04:44 PM
This is definitely worth a day-trip to London. Would any other UK-based cS'ers be interested in picking a day for a get-together at the London Science Museum?
Ian Limbrey Member
Posts: 167 From: England Registered: Nov 2012
posted 09-22-2015 04:30 AM
If you want to meet up, send me an email and see if we can fix a date! I live in London so it is easy for me to travel there.
tetrox Member
Posts: 142 From: London England Registered: Jan 2008
posted 09-22-2015 04:56 AM
I am currently volunteering at the "Cosmonauts" exhibit and it would be nice to meet up with members.
drscoop Member
Posts: 54 From: Macclesfield, UK Registered: Oct 2010
posted 09-22-2015 01:26 PM
I should be there next Tuesday morning - let me know who to look for and I'll pop by and say Hi...
Meanwhile, can anyone who has been confirm the photography policy? None at all/no flash/no problems? I assume all the exhibits are fully described in the accompanying book?
OLDIE Member
Posts: 321 From: Portsmouth, England Registered: Sep 2004
posted 09-22-2015 02:33 PM
Regarding photography at the exhibition, I'm pretty sure I saw a "no photography" pictogram. However, I saw a young lady busily clicking away without seeming to attract any attention. Go for it (but be discreet and don't use flash. Flash is a real no-no in any museum. I work in one!
Regarding the book, it's NOT an exhibition catalogue, so the exhibits might or might not be covered (it was too large and too wordy to check all the pictures).
tetrox Member
Posts: 142 From: London England Registered: Jan 2008
posted 09-22-2015 04:07 PM
As regarding photography, it is prohibited. This is shown at the start of the exhibit and is strictly enforced by the security guards who are asking people to refrain and delete those taken.
As volunteers, we are asked to politely point this out but not in a heavy handed way. I mentioned in a previous post that I thought this may be a problem and it has caused some friction, however it has been made clear that this comes from the Russian side and was a clear stipulation for the loan of the primary exhibits which the museum honours.
There are, of course, times when people will snap away when security are elsewhere but it can cause embarrassment to all parties when asked to stop.
I feel frustrated myself not being able to get close or take photographs but to be fair there is not much that cannot be found in detail online and I think it's all about seeing these historic items in one place in person.
drscoop Member
Posts: 54 From: Macclesfield, UK Registered: Oct 2010
posted 09-22-2015 04:24 PM
Thanks for the clarification. I'll leave the camera in the pocket for the rest of the museum.
Perhaps see you on Tuesday...
DougS Member
Posts: 65 From: Marion, Iowa Registered: Jun 2013
posted 09-29-2015 07:09 PM
Robert, have you given any more thought of arranging a group trip for collectSPACE members to visit the exhibition?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47894 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-30-2015 02:07 PM
The thought had crossed my mind. I don't think it could much before next year if the trip included my own involvement, but I don't necessarily have to be there.
My first thought was to contact the Science Museum and learn what type of discounts they offer for group ticket sales. Maybe we can at least get a cS member rate...
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4439 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 09-30-2015 05:12 PM
Sounds like a fine idea to me Robert. I had planned on visiting the exhibition at some point but as photography is prohibited I think I shall give it a miss.
I'm not inclined to spend a lot of money and a goodly amount of my time travelling down to London, paying an entrance fee only to be denied a photograph (without flash) or two... Plenty of images have appeared in the media so what's the problem?
posted 09-30-2015 05:26 PM
Do they even do a guide/souvenir book with pictures in? It is though an exhibition I intend to go to early next year.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47894 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-30-2015 05:39 PM
There is a companion book, though apparently it is not meant as a catalog of the exhibition.
quote:Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn: Plenty of images have appeared in the media so what's the problem?
The photography restrictions were apparently placed by Roscosmos, and from what I have seen at least, the press do appear to have been restricted to certain artifacts and views.
Ian Limbrey Member
Posts: 167 From: England Registered: Nov 2012
posted 10-01-2015 07:27 AM
The exhibition is well worth seeing and has been well organised. First time I have seen a three seater Vostok capsule (originally designed for one cosmonaut) and it makes the Apollo capsule look spacious in comparison! The proposed Russian lunar lander was very interesting but very scary in the knowledge that there is only one main engine and this was to be used used for both the descent and the ascent!
Robonaut Member
Posts: 259 From: Solihull, West Mids, England Registered: Mar 2002
posted 10-08-2015 06:54 AM
I am due to visit London shortly with family members to attend a concert. As part of the day out we were planning to go to the exhibition. I was really looking forward to this but am very disappointed at the no photographs rule. Sadly, because of this, we have decided not to go to the exhibition.
Apollo14LMP Member
Posts: 297 From: UK Registered: Nov 2007
posted 10-08-2015 06:57 AM
I agree — ridiculous no photographs there are many photos of this exhibition all over the net. I am not missing this great opportunity, but not happy. Why can't you take photographs?
Apollo14LMP Member
Posts: 297 From: UK Registered: Nov 2007
posted 10-18-2015 09:26 AM
Really enjoyed the exhibition, went on Wednesday last. Really nice to see some unique items. Lunar lander was amazing and learnt from a volunteer how the USSR had planned to send rovers to examine landing sites and help landers to reach their landing site. Very surprised that the USSR planned on sending out a remote controlled lander to act as a lifeboat if the manned vehicle lander was incapable of leaving the moon for technical reasons or in the event of damage.
Very different to the NASA approach of no rescue capability should the LEM become damaged. Fee of £26 was fair for 14 year old and I. Unhappy with the no photo policy but an amazing chance to see the historic craft displayed there nonetheless.
Was very surprised to see Gagarin's working Colonel uniform jacket... a nice touch!
While in museum also took some time to see Apollo 10 CM, Apollo 15 moon rock and replica LEM ...all in all a good day out.
dom Member
Posts: 968 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 10-18-2015 01:50 PM
I saw the exhibit for the first time this week and can't recommend it highly enough. It really is a must for anyone interested in Soviet spaceflight.
For me the highlights were the smaller personal items — Tsiokovsky's early drawings and Korolev's gulag drinking cup come to mind — but one of the revelations was the Soviet manned lunar lander. Although the LK lander is much larger in real life than you'd imagine (seems fine for one cosmonaut to me), when I walked down to the museum's old space gallery to look at their Apollo lander replica THAT looked absolutely enormous in comparison.
Another surprise was the actual Voskhod 1 capsule on display. The three-man crew must have literally been on top of each other during their 24 hour mission and I salute their bravery in asking for more time in orbit!
OLDIE Member
Posts: 321 From: Portsmouth, England Registered: Sep 2004
posted 10-21-2015 04:16 AM
For those who have been inspired by the exhibition, I note that Regent Holidays (regentholidays.co.uk) are running 5 day "Cosmonaut Weekends" to Russia. These include visits to the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre and the Central Air Force Museum. I've not travelled with Regent so I can't vouch for them. Looks an interesting trip though.
Norman.King Member
Posts: 395 From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK Registered: Feb 2010
posted 11-03-2015 12:06 PM
I visited this exhibition today and agree that for anyone interested in Soviet space flight it is well worth seeing.
I never thought I'd get to see real Vostok and Voskhod capsules up close and I have to admit I stood looking at them for ages trying to take it every last detail.
It is a pity photos aren't allowed and they were behind glass (apparently for health and safety reasons because they contain lots of asbestos) but boy am I glad I got to see them.
The LK was another highlight as were the various probes including the original engineering model of Sputnik 1.
Highly Recommended.
tetrox Member
Posts: 142 From: London England Registered: Jan 2008
posted 11-12-2015 11:43 AM
I have been notified that following a visitor feedback meeting that although photography is technically not allowed in the Cosmonauts exhibit, only those using "flash" photography will from now be approached and asked to refrain.
This is great news for me because quite frankly the no photography rule has been the most dispiriting aspect of volunteering at the exhibit.
I must admit it is still a bit of a mixed message as originally I was told the ban was for copyright reasons and now am told it was to protect the items on show, however I think whatever the reason its good news for future visitors.
posted 11-12-2015 12:12 PM
They withstood the searing heat of reentry, so I can't see what harm a camera could do?
tetrox Member
Posts: 142 From: London England Registered: Jan 2008
posted 11-12-2015 02:20 PM
Most modern cameras will record a decent image without flash if set up correctly. It's probably worth noting that as well as the spacecraft itself there are many other exhibits which may be affected such as the precious Konstantin Tsiolkovsky documents.
To be fair with many items behind glass it can be quite disconcerting for other visitors when in reduced light a flash suddenly fires and is reflected off the glass.
As I mentioned the official line is still "no" photography so this relaxation of implementing the rule is at least welcome.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4439 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 11-12-2015 02:29 PM
Common sense appears to have prevailed. It looks like a trip to the exhibit may well be back on after all.
posted 11-16-2013 07:07 AM
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