Location: garrison "Severny
The Military Transport Aviation Museum (also known as the VTA Museum) is a specialized military history museum in Ivanovo, Russia, dedicated to the history and development of military transport aviation (MTA) of the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation. It is located on the grounds of the 610th Center for Combat Employment and Retraining of Flight Personnel (CBE and PLS) of the MTA in the Severny Air Garrison, making it part of an active military base and adding a unique touch—visitors can see real aircraft in the surroundings of an active airfield. The museum occupies a building of historical significance: during the Great Patriotic War, the legendary Normandie-Niemen fighter squadron of French pilots was formed here, as evidenced by a commemorative plaque at the entrance. The exhibition combines indoor halls displaying documents and artifacts with an outdoor area displaying aviation equipment, attracting aviation enthusiasts, schoolchildren, and veterans. The general collection contains thousands of exhibits highlighting the role of the VTA in military operations, from WWII to modern conflicts.
The museum opened on August 14, 1984, marking the 40th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The idea for the museum arose in the early 1980s among veterans and military transport aviation command to preserve the memory of the contribution of transport aviation to the country's history. Initially, the collection was formed from the personal archives of pilots, documents, and trophies transferred from military transport aviation regiments and units. The museum developed as a branch of the Central Museum of the Armed Forces, but eventually became an independent institution under the auspices of the Russian Ministry of Defense. In the 1990s and 2000s, the exhibition expanded to include new exhibits from the post-Soviet period, including materials on local conflicts (Afghanistan, Chechnya) and peacekeeping operations. Today, the museum actively participates in patriotic education: it conducts tours for schoolchildren, meets with veterans, and hosts themed events during aviation celebrations (for example, Air Force Day on August 12). In recent years (by 2025), work has been underway to digitalize the exhibition, including virtual tours and online archives.
The museum consists of two main parts: an indoor exhibition in the
building and an open-air area at the airfield. The museum building is a
one-story structure with four halls displaying thematic sections. The
total area of the indoor section is approximately 500 square meters,
while the open-air area occupies several hectares with outdoor exhibits.
Hall 1: History of the Creation and Development of the Military
Transport Aviation: Covers the period from the 1930s, including the
formation of the first transport regiments. Exhibits include operation
maps, photographs of aviation pioneers, and models of early aircraft
(TB-3, Li-2).
Hall 2: The Great Patriotic War: Dedicated to the
Military Transport Aviation's contribution to WWII, including landing
operations, evacuation, and supplying the front. Here are documents
about the Siege of Leningrad, the Battle of Kursk, as well as personal
belongings of heroes (medals, letters).
Hall 3: Post-war period and
local conflicts: Materials about the Cold War and the Afghan War
(1979–1989), where the Military Transport Aviation played a key role in
logistics. Photos, instrument panels, and pilot uniforms are on display.
Hall 4: Modern Military Transport Aviation: An exhibition about the
post-Soviet period, including operations in Syria and UN peacekeeping
missions. Models of modern aircraft and military awards are on display.
The open area is the main highlight: real aircraft are on display,
accessible for inspection from the outside (entry is not permitted for
security reasons).
The museum collection contains over 10,000 exhibits, including
documents, photographs, maps, awards, uniforms, and aviation equipment.
The main thematic sections highlight the evolution of technology and the
role of people in the Military Transport Aviation.
Indoor
display: Aircraft models (1:72 and 1:144 scale), instrument panels,
control wheels, parachutes, and pilots' personal archives. Particularly
valuable items include photo albums of operations in Afghanistan, Hero
of the Soviet Union awards, and models of airborne assault systems.
Outdoor display: A collection of 8-10 aircraft that served in the
Military Transport Aviation (VTA). Key exhibits:
Li-2: Legendary
WWII transport aircraft.
An-2TD: Multipurpose biplane for airborne
assault.
Il-14T: Post-war passenger and cargo aircraft.
An-12B and
An-12BK-PPS: The main turboprop transport aircraft of the 1960s.
An-26: Light transport aircraft for regional operations.
Il-76MD:
Strategic military transport aircraft, the symbol of the VTA. An-22A
"Antey": A heavy turboprop giant for oversized cargo.
Temporary
exhibitions: Often dedicated to anniversaries (for example, the 80th
anniversary of the Military Transport Aviation in 2011) or current
events, using materials from the Ministry of Defense archives. The
museum hosts interactive programs, such as lectures and meetings with
veterans.
Connection with Normandie-Niemen: The museum building is the
historical site of the formation of the Franco-Soviet squadron, adding
an international touch.
Airfield location: Visitors can watch real
military transport aircraft take off and land, making the visit dynamic.
Patriotic emphasis: The museum focuses on youth education, with tours
for schoolchildren and cadets.
Accessibility of equipment: The
open-air area allows visitors to get up close and touch aircraft, a
rarity for military museums.
Address: Ivanovo, Polka Normandiya-Neman Street, 107 (Ivanovo-Severny
Airfield). Coordinates: 57°03'30"N 40°58'45"E.
Hours: The museum is
open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM; closed on Mondays
and the last Friday of the month. However, as part of a military base,
visits often require advance reservations, especially for groups. Free
admission during aviation holidays.
Ticket Prices: Admission is free
or symbolic (donations required); tours are available by appointment,
approximately 100–200 rubles per person for groups.
Contact
Information: For reservations, please visit muzei-vta.ru or call 610
TsBP (calling in advance is recommended). Email: Not publicly available.
Getting there: From central Ivanovo, take bus #12 or #29 to the "Severny
Aerodrom" stop (approximately 10 km). By car, take Polka
Normandiya-Neman Street; parking is available. Access to the base is
through the checkpoint with your passport.
Tips: The tour takes 1-2
hours. Wear comfortable shoes for the outdoor area. Photography is
permitted, but no drones. Ideal for families with children—the aircraft
are impressive.
The museum is not only a repository of artifacts but
also a living reminder of the heroism of aviators, recommended for
anyone interested in military history.