Sunday, April 12, 2015, will be recorded in the history of Mladá Boleslav as the day of the grand opening of the Aviation Museum. In this city of automobiles, this event commemorates another historical milestone: Methoděj Vlach took off in Mladá Boleslav in 1912 in a machine he built himself, powered by an automotive engine, thus becoming the creator of the first Czech aircraft.
The construction of the museum was completed the previous year and soon received the title of Building of the Year 2014. The unusual appearance of the building was inspired by aviation, with its shapes referencing the Stealth fighter aircraft type Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk.
However, the modern exterior of the museum conceals historical treasures. The interior primarily showcases the beginnings of aviation, and visitors can view around 25 replicas and originals of period aircraft. Among the most valuable exhibits is the Polikarpov PO-2, manufactured in 1937, which is one of eight flying machines of this type in the world (three of which are registered in the USA).
Aircraft from World War II are represented by the Piper L4, Fieseler Storch, and Polikarpov PO-2, as well as the department "Dark Blue World," named after the famous film by Jan Svěrák. For more demanding visitors, films detailing the construction of individual exhibits are available.
The exhibition, in addition to aircraft, also includes uniforms, jumpsuits, aviation instruments, and parts of airplanes. Under the motto "Flying is so easy," every visitor can take a flight in one of two biplane simulators with an open cockpit under the supervision of a pilot. A parachute jump simulator provides a unique experience, while a G-force simulator conveys the sensations of astronauts.
Interestingly, the current director, a passionate promoter of aviation and the spiritual father of the idea to realize the aviation museum in Mladá Boleslav – Ing. Vladimír Handlík – is a famous modeler. He has won many awards with his flying models, including titles at world championships. The museum will also offer the opportunity to attend a modeling club. Short-term exhibitions and even concerts are planned to be held here.
The Aviation Museum also has its own restaurant with a terrace right by the runway, allowing visitors to admire the aircraft in the sky during calm warm evenings.
Museum
