RAF Museum Cosford - NOW OPEN

1st February 2007

Following a major installation programme by Unusual Rigging, February 2007 marks the grand opening of The National Cold War Exhibition, the first major and permanent exhibition to focus solely on the Cold War story.

Revealing tensions that tormented the great super powers as well as the people of the world for a large part of the 20th century, this exciting new exhibition hall marks the biggest ever expansion in the history of the Royal Air Force Museum.

Covering over 8,000 sq m, the new landmark building is a highly innovative design by architects Fielden, Clegg, Bradley, with exhibition design by Neal Potter. The exhibition takes the form of two massive triangles divided by a central walkway, representing a world divided by opposing ideologies of the democratic countries and the communist bloc.

This unique exhibition tells the story of the Cold War period, from the national, international and social/political as well as cultural perspectives. The aim of the exhibition is to inform and educate present and future generations about this important period in modern history and to give a reflection of what life was really like.

A major feature of this unique exhibition will be Britain’s three V-Bombers: Vulcan, Victor and Valiant, on display together under one roof for the first time. A number of the 17 aircraft on display will be suspended in flying attitudes. Unusual Rigging have designed and implemented all suspension solutions for the aerial exhibits. Other innovative features include interactive kiosks and audio-visual Hotspots that focus on key aspects of the Cold War such as the Berlin Airlift, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Space Race.

The exhibition also includes armoured fighting vehicles, a section of the Berlin Wall, missiles, model submarines, an iconic statue of Lenin and life size Russian (Matryoshka) dolls. Symbols of everyday life include the VW Beetle, the Mini and the Trabant.
Education is high on the agenda and the exhibition hall features classrooms which allow real time online access through the web. A specially dedicated website also features downloadable National Curriculum Packs and on-line Audio and Video tours.
This project has been made possible thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Advantage West Midlands, the European Regional Development Fund, Bridgnorth District Council, the Rural Regeneration Zone, the Ministry of Defence and the Museum’s own fundraising initiatives.

The National Cold War Exhibition opens its doors to the public on Thursday 8 February 2007.