Cold War Exposition Infrastructure
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On 31 December 1962, one of the first underground launch complexes for R-12 ballistic missiles in the Soviet Union, the Dvina underground launch complex, was put into operation
in Plokštinė Forest (Plungė district).
Between 1963 and 1978, four R12 medium-range ballistic missiles (SS-4 Sandal) equipped with a 2.3-megatonne nuclear warhead were deployed at the complex. All the missiles were aimed at Western European countries. This complex, together with similar surface-launched missile bases, formed a single Soviet nuclear arsenal in Lithuania, which was capable of destroying the whole of Europe. In its 16 years of operation, not a single missile was fired, despite the declaration of combat readiness during the Prague Spring in 1968.
After the Soviet soldiers left on 18 June 1978, the poorly guarded military facility was vandalised and looted. In 1993, when the complex was handed over to the Žemaitija National Park Directorate, its restoration began. In 2012, the Cold War exposition was opened. Today, this once very secret and guarded place is open to the public. A historical exposition on the Cold War period is on display at the former missile and equipment control room house. To date, it is the only museum in urope where a preserved underground missile launch silo is on display.
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Educational programs
Excursion "Cold War Exposition in a different way"
Arm yourself with flashlights and get ready to get dirty! You will be given the opportunity to explore the most secret corners of the underground missile launch base and learn the history of this special facility. And where else is the opportunity to spend an hour in a space completely isolated from the outside world! There is no mobile connection, no internet, and the only source of light is a handheld flashlight. The body of those who got here shivers, and when listening to the stories and facts that happened here, the visitor feels a threat to all humanity...
Organized groups: with advance registration of adult groups, up to 30 participants.
Educational program "Games and discoveries at the rocket base"
Do you like history, are you interested in the Cold War period? Want an unconventional museum lesson? We offer such an opportunity at the Cold War exhibition. During the educational program, it will be possible to get acquainted with the historical period of the Cold War and the only operational underground missile launch base in Lithuania. During the education, the participants, divided into groups, perform a variety of tasks promoting active cognition: deciphering a coded secret combat signal, learning to properly put on a gas mask, and getting to know the environment through the senses (hearing, sight, smell and touch).
This education is a game full of interesting stories, tasks, new missions.
The program is intended for students in grades 6-7,
Group size: up to 30 people.
Related timeline
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The former missile bases in the Plungė district hide an impressive history of the Cold War - from the secret transportation of rocket fuel at night to the construction of underground shafts with artificial pressure. The memoirs of doctor Kajetonas Meškauskas reveal little-known details about the activities of the Soviet military and the lives of the builders. His story is not only about the base, but also about a man who found himself in the middle of history.