Strategic Missile Forces Museum
Strategic Missile Forces Museum
5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
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Carlo L
13 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
One of the coolest museums I've ever been to!! Being inside an actual nuclear command center, pressing the infamous launch buttons, and even climbing onto fighter jets, tanks, and other vehicles. So unique!!
I didn't even need to book an outrageously expensive English tour from Kiev. A local English-speaking tour guide, Elena, coordinated local transportation for me from Kiev, and constantly checked in with me to ensure I had no questions. Her tour was very informative and fun to listen to, as well.
I highly recommend her services for an English tour - contact her at +380 95 200 7578. :).
I didn't even need to book an outrageously expensive English tour from Kiev. A local English-speaking tour guide, Elena, coordinated local transportation for me from Kiev, and constantly checked in with me to ensure I had no questions. Her tour was very informative and fun to listen to, as well.
I highly recommend her services for an English tour - contact her at +380 95 200 7578. :).
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
valeriverano
Kyiv, Ukraine726 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
The distance from Kyiv is not exhausting. Amazing museum, must see! Visit the control room, press the launch button.
Interesting, informative, visiting this museum you forget about time. All information is on the website. Enjoy the visit!!!
Interesting, informative, visiting this museum you forget about time. All information is on the website. Enjoy the visit!!!
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dr_stinky
Singapore, Singapore302 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
Seriously, where in the world can you find a previously functioning nuclear missile launch base, that has since been converting to a museum open to the public?
Starting with the less convenient portion first:
- The site is located in the middle of nowhere, and getting here is not easy.
- I tried researching on tours that'll bring me here - unfortunately, there were only private, no public tours. And they cost too much - at least 200-300USD per tour; in addition, they depart and return only from Kiev (not sure about Odessa), whilst I was looking for one that'll bring me from Kiev, visit the place, then continue on to Odessa
And now for the phenomenal parts:
- Following Lonely Planet's advice, I contacted Elena to act as a translator for the site
- She in turn advised how to get to the museum via public transport - from Kiev Central Bus Station to Pervomaysk. Upon arrival, we got in touch by phone, and she informed the driver where to let me off at
- After a 4h ride, driver dropped me in the middle of some corn / wheat / sunflower field at a T-junction - the missile museum was then about 1.5-2km walk from there. However, Elena arranged for the museum bus to drive out to pick me up (thanks for that)
- Museum itself was jaw-dropping. Silos 45-60m deep were dug to house the nuclear missiles; from an inconspicuous farm shed, one can then descend into the tunnels, and from there access the nuclear launch base. One is allowed to fiddle around with the equipment, making this a one-of-a-kind experience. As other reviews point out, one is allowed to descend over 40m down and push the button to launch the nuclear missile (supposedly to US, except of course nothing comes out anymore).
- Elena herself was amazing too - she was so passionate throughout the entire journey. Viewing the bunker is one thing, and explaining it was another - I (together with 2 American tourists who joined us thereafter) had such a fun and insightful time learning about such bases, and it was all thanks to Elena's bubbly explanation (I wish all city walking tour guides could be like her - she would very easily be one of the best guides I've had)
- On top of the nuclear bunker, there were many interesting sights too - the missiles brought to Cuba sparking the Cuban Missile Crisis, the missiles which shot MH17 down, and a giant missile that holds 40 times the power of Fat Man and Little Boy.
- Was expecting to spend 1-2 hours, there but ended up spending 4h there instead
- Amazingly, throughout the whole trip, I counted no more than 10 visitors
- After the tour, Elena brought me to Pervomaysk, where I then took a bus to Odessa
Overall, this (together with Chernobyl) ranks as the most memorable experience I've had, not just within Ukraine but throughout my travelling experience.
Would highly recommend definitely!
Some practicalities (all cost as of Jul 2019):
- Bus from Kiev to Missile Museum - about 4h and cost about 300UAH
- Bus from Pervomaysk to Odessa - about 3.5h and cost about 300UAH
- Entrance to museum - 120UAH for museum, 250UAH into bunker
- Elena's guiding services - please consult her, but it is very reasonable by Western / Singapore standards
Thanks again Elena for everything - you were the main reason why this visit was so special too!
Starting with the less convenient portion first:
- The site is located in the middle of nowhere, and getting here is not easy.
- I tried researching on tours that'll bring me here - unfortunately, there were only private, no public tours. And they cost too much - at least 200-300USD per tour; in addition, they depart and return only from Kiev (not sure about Odessa), whilst I was looking for one that'll bring me from Kiev, visit the place, then continue on to Odessa
And now for the phenomenal parts:
- Following Lonely Planet's advice, I contacted Elena to act as a translator for the site
- She in turn advised how to get to the museum via public transport - from Kiev Central Bus Station to Pervomaysk. Upon arrival, we got in touch by phone, and she informed the driver where to let me off at
- After a 4h ride, driver dropped me in the middle of some corn / wheat / sunflower field at a T-junction - the missile museum was then about 1.5-2km walk from there. However, Elena arranged for the museum bus to drive out to pick me up (thanks for that)
- Museum itself was jaw-dropping. Silos 45-60m deep were dug to house the nuclear missiles; from an inconspicuous farm shed, one can then descend into the tunnels, and from there access the nuclear launch base. One is allowed to fiddle around with the equipment, making this a one-of-a-kind experience. As other reviews point out, one is allowed to descend over 40m down and push the button to launch the nuclear missile (supposedly to US, except of course nothing comes out anymore).
- Elena herself was amazing too - she was so passionate throughout the entire journey. Viewing the bunker is one thing, and explaining it was another - I (together with 2 American tourists who joined us thereafter) had such a fun and insightful time learning about such bases, and it was all thanks to Elena's bubbly explanation (I wish all city walking tour guides could be like her - she would very easily be one of the best guides I've had)
- On top of the nuclear bunker, there were many interesting sights too - the missiles brought to Cuba sparking the Cuban Missile Crisis, the missiles which shot MH17 down, and a giant missile that holds 40 times the power of Fat Man and Little Boy.
- Was expecting to spend 1-2 hours, there but ended up spending 4h there instead
- Amazingly, throughout the whole trip, I counted no more than 10 visitors
- After the tour, Elena brought me to Pervomaysk, where I then took a bus to Odessa
Overall, this (together with Chernobyl) ranks as the most memorable experience I've had, not just within Ukraine but throughout my travelling experience.
Would highly recommend definitely!
Some practicalities (all cost as of Jul 2019):
- Bus from Kiev to Missile Museum - about 4h and cost about 300UAH
- Bus from Pervomaysk to Odessa - about 3.5h and cost about 300UAH
- Entrance to museum - 120UAH for museum, 250UAH into bunker
- Elena's guiding services - please consult her, but it is very reasonable by Western / Singapore standards
Thanks again Elena for everything - you were the main reason why this visit was so special too!
Written July 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike Campbell
13 contributions
Aug 2019
The area is still a bit under developed, but it has that very "authentic" feel because of it - it's not touristy or glitzy at all. Sadly much of the display is outdoors, and will invariably deteriorate, but with a bit of luck you an get your photo taken on top of a missile silo blast door, or riding a fighter-training plane..... thanks Elena! :D
TBH for me the missile museum was a bonus - my visit was to get a ride in the old IS-3 heavy tank they have there - costs a fortune, but where else are you going to do that?? :)
I had a very comfortable trip from Kiev
TBH for me the missile museum was a bonus - my visit was to get a ride in the old IS-3 heavy tank they have there - costs a fortune, but where else are you going to do that?? :)
I had a very comfortable trip from Kiev
Written September 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
where_to_next1311
Nashville, TN41 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
even if you're only slightly interested in history/military/politics you'll enjoy this place. There is so much here that you could spend hours. Most of the details are written in Ukrainian but an English guide will point out the majority in a couple hours, including trip to the bunker. The group before mine got stuck in the lift, so there's that.
the tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and I believe all were stationed at this base when it was active or at least in the Army during the time.
the tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and I believe all were stationed at this base when it was active or at least in the Army during the time.
Written April 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelwithme24x7
Dubai, United Arab Emirates753 contributions
Jul 2018
This is my first visit to a missile base. It is interesting but you have to go underground 12 floors through a manually operated tiny lift and narrow passages. So be prepared and wear tight fitting clothes.
Written October 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UnstoppableTraveler
Berlin, Germany41 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
If you're not fluent in Russian, get a guide. Museum has great layout/exhibits, but very little info in English, though some of the maps and diagrams speak for themselves -- nuclear missiles were serious business, security was paramount, and this was one of dozens of similar sites across Ukraine. Very sobering. Hardware across the grounds also well labeled in Russian or Ukrainian, and the tour of the bunker is good if you're not claustrophobic. Even without a strong understanding of the guide, I was awestruck by the hardware, the precautions, the readiness of a Cold War installation. Terrifying. Cost is about EUR 10 for the entire site -- a real deal, for such a piece of history.
Written October 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly H
New York City, NY83 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
This museum is an actual underground missile launch command center and silo. Abover ground you get an explanation of the command structure of the rocket firces and the command and control mechanisms and safeguards for a launch. Outside there are various pieces of transportation and emplacement equipment, along with some odds and sods of armoured vehicles. A look into the launch silo follows, or as much as was not filled in with concrete as a demilitarization program. Then, the entry into the underground command post. Amazing! Take a photo of yourself in the command seat, not something you get to do every day!
If you speak Russian or Ukrainian, rent a car in Kyiv and drive on down towards Odessa, it’s about an hour off the highway. The museum is open 9-5, seven days a week. Google maps gives great directions just entering the name of the museum. If you need English or another language, bring a guide or interpreter; you do not want to miss a word of the tour. And there are souvenier mangents and coffee cups - what more could you want!
If you speak Russian or Ukrainian, rent a car in Kyiv and drive on down towards Odessa, it’s about an hour off the highway. The museum is open 9-5, seven days a week. Google maps gives great directions just entering the name of the museum. If you need English or another language, bring a guide or interpreter; you do not want to miss a word of the tour. And there are souvenier mangents and coffee cups - what more could you want!
Written September 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
champkis
Dublin, Ireland1,682 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
We visited this museum whilst on a 'Penguin travel' tour of Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus which meant transport was included and sorted for us. The museum is very remote but so worth visiting. It was incredible to go inside the underground underground control unit for the silo and to learn about the missiles. The tour was really well done and so interesting. This was a real highlight!
Written August 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NikoliGogol
Edmonton, Canada1,762 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
Three of us drove from Kyiv to this site, about a 2.5 hr drive each way on a road that is not the best.
Nobody appears to know about this place. It is a functioning museum with the soldiers who once manned the nuclear sites maintaining the museum. Even before you get to the launch equipment, the yard has every description of tank, missile, and aircraft on display. The security system is show; 6 layers of electric barbed wire, mines, and machine gun equipped guards. Also on display are the various vehicles that were used to transport ICBM's. They were huge, often leveling buildings when making a turn.
In an inner building, they mounted every type of hand weapon, by which I mean handgun to sub-machine gun to rocket launcher. In the next building there are displays of every missile type used for nuclear launches and a map of known nuclear sites. Also shown are missiles, rockets, rocket motors, tanks, and other military gear.
The silos are built on the expectation that the enemy has already nuked you. The missile is held by a suspension system. The lid of the silo is sealed with a 3' layer of wax that is supposed to keep out radiation. The silo is on several levels.
The amount of thought and detail is astonishing. For example the elevator is tiny so to prevent claustrophobia, there is a mirror in it.
We were shown the bottom levels of the silo and then the control room. We went through the motions of launching 10 missiles from that site.
Our guide was a young woman with perfect English there was no question that she did not know the answer to. It was drizzly that day so she was wearing a waterproof German uniform. It was obvious that she was the soldiers' pet and she could sell lots of their paraphernalia.
The missiles launched from that site was a the "Satan Missile", in the era when the silo functioned it would be an R-36M2 with 10 warheads and 40 penetration aids and/or decoys.
I believe that there are companies that offer group tours including transportation to and from the site but I preferred the individualized treatment we got. The tour lasted 3 hours and it could have gone longer if not for the need to leave in time to drive back during daylight hours.
I reflect often on the tour, the cost of maintaining nuclear weaponry, and the danger it presents to the world as we know it.
The only downside is that while there are brochures and written materials for sale regarding the Russian and Soviet nuclear weaponry, none of them are in English. Bring your own food and refreshments because all I saw for food and drink were vending machines.
Nobody appears to know about this place. It is a functioning museum with the soldiers who once manned the nuclear sites maintaining the museum. Even before you get to the launch equipment, the yard has every description of tank, missile, and aircraft on display. The security system is show; 6 layers of electric barbed wire, mines, and machine gun equipped guards. Also on display are the various vehicles that were used to transport ICBM's. They were huge, often leveling buildings when making a turn.
In an inner building, they mounted every type of hand weapon, by which I mean handgun to sub-machine gun to rocket launcher. In the next building there are displays of every missile type used for nuclear launches and a map of known nuclear sites. Also shown are missiles, rockets, rocket motors, tanks, and other military gear.
The silos are built on the expectation that the enemy has already nuked you. The missile is held by a suspension system. The lid of the silo is sealed with a 3' layer of wax that is supposed to keep out radiation. The silo is on several levels.
The amount of thought and detail is astonishing. For example the elevator is tiny so to prevent claustrophobia, there is a mirror in it.
We were shown the bottom levels of the silo and then the control room. We went through the motions of launching 10 missiles from that site.
Our guide was a young woman with perfect English there was no question that she did not know the answer to. It was drizzly that day so she was wearing a waterproof German uniform. It was obvious that she was the soldiers' pet and she could sell lots of their paraphernalia.
The missiles launched from that site was a the "Satan Missile", in the era when the silo functioned it would be an R-36M2 with 10 warheads and 40 penetration aids and/or decoys.
I believe that there are companies that offer group tours including transportation to and from the site but I preferred the individualized treatment we got. The tour lasted 3 hours and it could have gone longer if not for the need to leave in time to drive back during daylight hours.
I reflect often on the tour, the cost of maintaining nuclear weaponry, and the danger it presents to the world as we know it.
The only downside is that while there are brochures and written materials for sale regarding the Russian and Soviet nuclear weaponry, none of them are in English. Bring your own food and refreshments because all I saw for food and drink were vending machines.
Written June 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would like to know how to book an English tour direct at the museum? I plan on driving myself but phone number provided does not ring.
Written October 25, 2019
OK - contact Elena at +380 95 200 7578 - she is the English language guide I had - very good, and she has told me to give you her number. Suggest using WhatsApp initially - enjoy! :)
Written October 30, 2019
How long is the trip from Kyiv to the museum? And from the museum to Odessa?Google say around 6,5 hours Kyiv, museum, Odessa but my personal experience is that the time in the navigation and google maps is not always right and that you can drive quicker.
Written January 10, 2019
This way I'm going regularly. From Kyiv its 2-4 hours, 3 hours you spent there and then its 2,5 hours to Odessa. According to my driving Kyiv - Pervomaisk 7:00 - 9:30, Pervomaisk - Odessa 13:00 - 15:30. But I'm used to roads in Ukraine :).
Written May 15, 2019
What time is the museum open? Any day of closure?
Written June 9, 2018
Hi, how can i reserve an english guided tour for this site?
Thank you
Laura
Written March 11, 2018
Can you get an English guide on site? Are there English signs for exhibits?
Written May 24, 2017
Hi,
Can anyone confirm that this museum is open on weekends and that you can visit this museum on your own?
Written July 9, 2016
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