Monument to pioneering Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin to be opened in Prague, the Czech Republic, on Tuesday. The idea to set up bust of first human in space belongs to Dialog of Cultures – United World Foundation. Monuments to Yuri Gagarin are situated all around globe, including France, Germany, India, China and Bulgaria.
Yuri Gagarin made history on April 12, 1961 when he become both first person to enter outer space and first person to orbit Earth. Irina Shamgunova, representative of 'Dialogue of Cultures – United World' International Charity Public Fund comments on the event.
What is the idea of opening a monument to Yuri Gagarin in Prague?
The opening a monument to Yuri Gagarin was initiated by the President of the international charitable fund Dialogue of Cultures – United World Ruslan Bairamov. It was highly supported by the embassy of the Russian Federation in the Czech Republic and the Russian Federal Cultural Agency.
As you know, this year we are celebrating 80th birthday of Yuri Gagarin and we've decided that it would be great to open his monument in Prague, because Czechoslovakia was the first country abroad that he visited since his historic flight.
In what part of the city is the monument located? Is it in the suburbs or in the center?
The monument is placed in the central planetarium in Prague. So, yes, the monument is located in the center of the city. We believe that he can inspire young cosmonauts for their achievements.
Is it the first monument to Yuri Gagarin your foundation is opening abroad?
No, it is not. The fund opens monuments to the great personalities all over the world and Yuri Gagarin monument is one of our favourites. We have already placed busts and monuments of him in France, in Germany, Bulgaria, India, China and the US. Two years ago we established a monument to Yuri Gagarin in full length in Houston. So, we are very proud of saying that.
