YAMBOL.- The Regional Historical Museum in Yambol has officially opened its highly anticipated multimedia photographic exhibition, "THE WORLD OF AIRSHIPS: WHEN YAMBOL WAS PART OF IT," running from October 24, 2024, to February 28, 2025. This groundbreaking exhibition, based on Prof. Massimiliano (Max) Pinucci's acclaimed book "AIRSHIPS - DESIGNED FOR GREATNESS," offers a comprehensive exploration of the golden age of airships and highlights Yambol's unique connection to this fascinating era.

Curated by Prof. Pinucci himself, the exhibition is a collaborative effort between Kremena Dimova of the Regional Historical Museum – Yambol and Associate Professor Dr. Petranka Nedelcheva from the National Historical Museum. This partnership underscores the significance of preserving and celebrating Bulgaria's rich historical tapestry.

Originally unveiled in Trieste, Italy, in 2018, "THE WORLD OF AIRSHIPS" delves into the period when airships, the majestic giants of the sky, captured the imagination of people worldwide. In the late 19th century, some forty years before the advent of the airplane, airships turned the dream of traversing the clouds and exploring uncharted territories into reality. Unlike hot air balloons, which drifted with the wind, gas-filled airships were the first aerial vehicles capable of being steered by a pilot, marking a significant advancement in aviation technology.

Visitors to the Yambol exhibition are greeted with original wide-format drawings and stunning photographic images that trace the evolution of airship design and technology. Interactive spaces equipped with video and audio materials bring to life the personal stories of the courageous individuals who endeavored to conquer the skies. Among the most captivating narratives is the epic journey of the zeppelin L59, which embarked on a mission from Bulgaria to Sudan in 1917. Despite the mission ending in tactical failure due to enemy disinformation, L59's remarkable 95-hour flight covering over 6,800 kilometers remains a legendary feat in aviation history.

Another highlight is the story of Lady Grace Margaret Hay Drummond-Hay, the first woman to undertake a round-the-world journey aboard the LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin. Her voyage exemplifies the advancements in passenger comfort and the ambitious aspirations of airship pioneers who envisioned transatlantic flights as a new frontier.

"The exhibition is not just a collection of historical facts and images," said Kremena Dimova, one of the organizers. "It is a tribute to the relentless human spirit to explore the unknown and push the boundaries of what is possible."

Massimiliano (Max) Pinucci, the mastermind behind the exhibition, is a renowned designer and aviation enthusiast. As the founder and CEO of MBVision in Italy, and with roles in OceanSky and Jekta Switzerland, Pinuchi brings a wealth of expertise to the project. His collaboration with the Italian Air Force's General Staff on aviation culture projects further cements his authority in the field.

The opening of the exhibition in Yambol has been met with enthusiastic responses from both the public and aviation enthusiasts. Attendees have praised the immersive experience, highlighting the interactive displays and the detailed narratives that bring the history of airships to life. The premiere presentation of Prof. Pinucci’s latest work, "Airships ArtBook," has also garnered significant attention. This book features original drawings, detailed descriptions, and stories of 15 significant airships, enriched by contributions from leading international experts who have either witnessed these airships firsthand or inherited their stories through family narratives.

The realization of this ambitious exhibition was made possible through the generous support of the "America for Bulgaria" Foundation. Their dedication to preserving and promoting Bulgaria's cultural and historical heritage has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

"As the exhibition unfolds, we are thrilled to see visitors engaging deeply with the stories and the rich history of airships connected to Yambol," added Dr. Petranka Nedelcheva. "It's inspiring to witness how our past continues to ignite curiosity and admiration in people of all ages."

Looking ahead, the exhibition is set to depart from Yambol and travel to the National Historical Museum in Sofia in March 2025, allowing a broader audience to engage with the enthralling history of airships and Yambol's pivotal role in it.