The Civil Aviation Museum in Ulyanovsk is a unique open-air complex where visitors can see legendary passenger and civil aircraft produced in Russia from the early 20th century to the present day. The exhibition belongs to the airfield of the aviation institute, where future pilots are trained, so museum guests can observe training flights and graduation exams.

The idea of creating an aviation technology museum in Ulyanovsk arose in the 1970s when instructors from the flight school, which later became an institute, began collecting rare exhibits dedicated to various aircraft models and other technology. It took several years to prepare, and in 1983, the first exhibits were delivered here: a Mi-4 helicopter and an Il-18 aircraft, which arrived on a special flight from Domodedovo. At that time, the main concept for replenishing the collection was formed: aircraft that had completed their service life and were due for decommissioning. The exception was rare specimens that required careful transportation and restoration. They were restored, often with the efforts of enthusiasts and students, the fuselage was refurbished, and then they were put on display.

The difficult 1990s were survived by the museum with minimal losses. By 1999, the collection included one and a half dozen units of equipment and 4,000 exhibits, including documents and photographs displayed at the institute. More than 700 of them are genuine awards, parade uniforms, and other items belonging to distinguished pilots, passed down by their descendants. A book of memory was also created about combat pilots born in Ulyanovsk.

In 2016, the exhibition was significantly expanded. The interior halls received showcases dedicated to the last Marshal of Aviation Boris Bugayev and other outstanding heroes. The museum established international contacts aimed at educational activities and expanding the collection. The main task remains unchanged: to preserve the outstanding achievements of domestic aircraft construction and attract new generations with the romance of flight.