The State Museum of the history of cosmonautics named by K.E. Tsiolkovsky, the first in the world and the largest in Russia, was established with the personal assistance of S.P. Korolev and Ju.A. Gagarin and was opened in 1967. Museum of cosmonautics is a scientific research and technical centre, co-ordinating the work of museums of cosmonautics all over the country. In 1979 it was given a status of scientific research institution, and in 1993 it was enlisted among cultural and educational institution of special social significance.