Flugplatzmuseum Cottbus

About the museum

The Cottbus airfield has a long and eventful history: the first flight attempts took place here as early as 1910, a military airfield was established during World War I, and from 1927 Lufthansa airliners landed at the commercial airfield. During the Nazi era, Luftwaffe pilots were trained here, and Focke-Wulf had Fw 200, Fw 190, and Ta 152 aircraft assembled in the hangars – largely by forced laborers.

After 1945 the site was first used by Soviet units, and from 1952 by the East German air force: Fighter Wing 1 (Jagdfliegergeschwader 1) was stationed here for many years, later followed by an NVA (East German army) attack helicopter wing. After German reunification, the Bundeswehr took over the airfield until the last units withdrew in 2003 and the land was converted into a business and technology park.

The museum is operated by the volunteer-run association Flugplatzmuseum Cottbus e. V. The outdoor grounds hold almost 50 aircraft – from the Yak-11 and MiG-21 to Western types such as the F-104 and Fiat G91, and on to the Mi-24 and Tu-134 – as well as vehicles, radar, and missile technology. An indoor exhibition tells the story of aviation in Lusatia and the history of the NVA bases in Cottbus; the association continues to restore further exhibits.

Highlights

• Almost 50 aircraft, including the MiG-21, MiG-23, Su-22, Mi-24, and Tu-134
• S-75 “Dvina” surface-to-air missile with launcher
• Look inside cockpits and cabins by prior arrangement
• Exhibition on the aviation history of Lusatia since 1910
• Flight simulator on scheduled dates

Permanent exhibitions

• Freigelände mit Luftfahrzeugen und Militärtechnik – Around 40,000 m² of grounds display fighter jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft from East and West, along with radar, vehicle, and missile technology from the airfield's former operations.
• Historische Ausstellung – Documents, engines, ejection seats, models, and archaeological finds on the history of aviation in Lusatia; a separate section is devoted to the NVA and its Cottbus barracks.

Founded

1994

Operated by

Flugplatzmuseum Cottbus e. V.

Admission & discounts

Different admission prices may apply during events.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Family ticket for two adults with children. By registration, many aircraft can be viewed from the inside; for daycare centers and schools, there are hiking and holiday days with a child-friendly tour and a seat at the control stick.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Amenities & dining

Picnic area on the grounds; breakfast and multipurpose room for groups (no catering), barbecues by arrangement.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Private celebrations in the rooms and on the grounds during opening hours by arrangement; usage fees on request from the museum office.

Plan your visit