"Home of the Russian Air Force" Monino by el_ruso

This is an amazing museum - exciting to a casual visitor and even more so for an aficionado of aviation. It houses virtually every airplane built in Russia and Soviet Union, even one-of-a-kind and experimental craft.

If you are not a Russian citizen, access is somewhat difficult.

You will need to fax your passport/ visa info to colonel Goncharov a couple of days in advance of your visit and give the anticipated day of your visit. *You also must give the Make and License Plate # of the vehicle in which you are planning to arrive.* Further, you MUST be accompanied by a Russian citizen to gain access. Fax # is 095-747-3928.

The museum is next to the air force base, which is why the heightened security. You enter through the gate of the air base town, present your documents to the lieutenant-colonel in the gatehouse, and he will give you a pass which you must give to the guards when you are leaving. Also get the detailed directions, because there are no signs to the museum.

Then when you arrive to the museum, you must enter a small wooden building where you buy ticket and can hire a guide. Entry for two people plus guide cost 700R.

Take Shosse Entuziastov east out of Moscow. After you pass Kupavna, about 30 km outside of the city boundary, the first light will be "Moninskiy povorot", turn left, then turn left again before the RR bridge, and some distance further you will see the main entrance into the air base on your left.

• Pros:amazing, one-of-a-kind collection
• Cons:difficult access
• In a nutshell:a must see if you are interested in Soviet history