Want to learn about the Museum of Cosmonautics? Throw in a request from Google’s alright! And in the first place you will see a note that heats the heart of every Zhytomyr citizen: “Museum of Cosmonautics, Zhytomyr”. Yes, this establishment is really unique for many reasons. And not because of its over forty years of history the museum has seen visitors from all corners of the world, not because of the unique exhibits collected here. Our “cosmic pride” is an example of how much a modern strategic approach can be given to the development of museum affairs. It’s no secret that around the new and progressive is always a lot of myths. Some of them we tried to disperse
Myth № 1 Museum is simply a collection of rarities
In the Zhytomyr Museum, the history of astronautics is represented through the prism of scientific discoveries and tales of talented people who are in love with science. The glorious history of the development of the intellect of our nation through the means of exposition is connected with the present and future of modern technologies and space know-how. The traditions of classical museum forms are usually preserved, but the use of an innovative approach involving the orientation of educational entertainment programs to “open” science and the involvement of the younger generation in obtaining scientific knowledge makes the museum a modern one.
Myth № 2 The Museum of Cosmonautics should display only “cosmic” exhibits
Of course, the basis of the exposition is a unique collection of space technology and instruments, but in the museum, it is presented in combination with experimental artistic decision. Organic supplement – exhibits of worldview, cultural and educational content, samples of fine arts. A progressive museum strategy is based on openness and interconnection with various social institutions while retaining its own individuality. That is why the museum cooperates with civic organizations and newly created creative communities and institutions. The result is joint projects, new ideas, interesting communications. The museum became co-organizer of the semifinals of chess competitions, tourist studios, charity auctions and even a space marathon. The support of the Museum of Ethnographic Traditions illustrates the hypothesis that Cosmos is a harmony, order, desire for beauty and creativity. All these initiatives transform the classical museum into an innovative cultural institution.
Myth № 3 Museums have to compete
Here one can argue, but one can be sure: competition can not be the main factor in museum development. In the group of museums of the space profile the Zhytomyr Museum of Cosmonautics them. SP The Queen is an absolute leader, as he has embarked on the testing of cultural technologies. However, it gladly attracts partners into its projects and expands the circle of friends: the institution initiated the creation of the Association of Space Museums In the international “space” environment, there was never a platform for discussing development in the cultural sphere. At the initiative of our museum in Paris under the International Astronautical Federation (International Astronautical Federation, IAF), a Council of Museums was created. Thanks to the activities of such an international institution, close and fruitful international cooperation and rapid development of cooperation became possible.
Myth № 4 The funds for the development of museum institutions are invested in the last resort
A modern museum is a living organism, which is in partnership with various social institutions, including with local authorities. The development of a museum can give a concrete economic effect to the city and the region, in particular in the field of tourism business and cultural infrastructure. And now there is tangible support of the museum by the local authorities and in strengthening the material base, both in the implementation of new technologies and in the development of international contacts.
Myth № 5 It is necessary to wait until the development will allocate money
Active innovation activity and openness of the museum for cooperation give the opportunity to attract the attention of sponsors. At the local level, funds for the development of the institution were allocated twice from the local development budget. Sponsors are also actively involved: at the sponsor’s expense, rocket containers were restored, such popular events as “Techfest”, “Night of Science”, children’s master classes, various competitions and festivals were held.
Myth № 6 Museum is for visitors, not visitors for the museum
Until recently, it was believed that the museum – not a place for the introduction of marketing tools. However, the trials of marketing programs to strengthen the museum collection and expand the exhibition opportunities quickly gave their results. Due to the systematic study of the demand for museum services, the use of modern communication technologies in the field of museum affairs has significantly increased the number of visitors – 100-150 thousand per year. Inspired by the visits, guests are also eager to join the museum’s life: they donate unique things of historical and cultural value and related to outer space.
Myth № 7 In recent years, the museum does not develop
Only those who do not come to the museum and do not follow the news can say so. During the last decade, the museum’s collection has increased almost three times, and in the exposition almost every quarter there are new exclusive exhibits. Recently, many unique items and documents came from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and from the world-famous Institute of Electric Welding. EO Paton of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine – a complex of layouts devoted to Ukraine’s cooperation with China in the field of space. Participation in various non-trivial projects, co-organized by the Museum of Cosmonautics, presents the museum as an extremely modern and progressive institution. What’s worth is just one of the latest joint projects with US partners – a live space communications session at American House. With the participation of US Ambassador Marie Jovanovich and Ukrainian cosmonaut Leonid Kadenyuk, a live broadcast with the NASA astronaut Randolph Breznik was conducted, which deployed the flag of Ukraine to the International Space Station.
Myth № 8 “Space” is not entirely Ukrainian
Unfortunately, even in Ukraine it is not known enough about the extremely high contribution of our country to the development of world astronautics. One of the objective reasons for this sad fact is that space activities in Ukraine existed under the guise of strict secrecy for almost half a century. It is in Zhytomyr Museum of Cosmonautics named after Koroliov special attention is paid to exhibits that tell about the achievements of Ukrainian designers and engineers, about the personal contribution of a galaxy of scientists, whose research is of global significance. Quite often, foreigners visiting the museum are amazed at the fact that the legendary Chief Designer Sergey Korolev is Ukrainian. Yes, he was born there, his childhood and adolescence were here, here he received his education and received the first recognition of his designs and inventions. Therefore, one can not refuse his national intelligence, at the level of national consciousness there should be an understanding that this is ours, a Ukrainian genius.
Myth № 9 Museum of Cosmonautics named after Koroliov in Zhytomyr is similar to many other “space” museums
In museums of the space profile, as in museums of any other directions, there is something similar, but there is also a special one. It is in the “space subgroup” that the specificity and uniqueness of collections is immediately determined: the exhibitions of technical orientation, devoted to the history of science, biographical and environmental ones, are distinguished. In Zhytomyr, the Museum of Cosmonautics named after Koroliov introduces a unique philosophical concept: the experimental exposition “Cosmos”, opened in 1991, is built on the principles of “artistic work.” The author of the decision is the folk artist of Ukraine A.V. Haydamak used this approach in museum building, which still remains revolutionary / non-traditional. A memorial house-museum of academician S.P.Koroliov, which details the Zhytomyr and Ukrainian periods in the life of an outstanding designer, makes our museum unique.
Myth № 10 The status of the National for a museum is not very important
Museum of Cosmonautics named after Koroliov in Zhytomyr not only retains a national cosmic collections, but also conducts research, educational and cultural activities on the international level. In addition, he is leading in his profile group and conducts special research on museum topics. It is clear that this level of activity corresponds to the museum with the national status. Well, a cultural institution of such a level is the prestige of the region! The national status gives the museum a different level of communication and communication, since the museum acts in the name of the state before the international community and can do even more as a cultural center and as a platform for cultural diplomacy.
P.S. The 111th anniversary of the birthday of the brilliant designer Serhii Koroliov is an opportunity to wish the museum team and continue to implement the progressive strategy of the museum’s development. And let the museum become a favorite not only for the Zhytomyr people!
Museum’s address:
Zhytomyr, 10008,
5, Dmytrivska Str.
tel .: 0412 47-26-27
About myths and realities told director of the Museum of Cosmonautics named after Koroliov Iryna Diachuk.
Translated by Aliona Matushevich
