On April 8, the library of the “Hristo Botev–1908” Community Centre in Ruse will host the opening of the third specialized philatelic exhibition dedicated to the theme “Cosmos.” The initiative is organized by the community centre, which in February 2024 established the first philatelic club within a Bulgarian community centre. The event is held in partnership with the “Stefan Karadzha–2018” Community Centre and the Lyuben Karavelov Regional Library, both of which actively support the development of philately in the city.

The exhibition is dedicated to April 12 – the International Day of Human Spaceflight and Aviation – and marks two important anniversaries: the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s historic flight as the first human in space, and the 47th anniversary of the mission of Georgi Ivanov, the first Bulgarian cosmonaut. These milestones in the history of space exploration are presented through more than 500 postage stamps from around the world, illustrating the evolution of space programs, scientific achievements, and international cooperation in the study of the universe.

The collection features selected items from the personal philatelic holdings of Ruse collectors Stoyan Komitski – curator of the exhibition – and Martin Kalendzhiev. The stamps are arranged in thematic panels that trace key moments of the space age: from early Soviet and American missions to modern international projects. Visitors can see how different countries depict space exploration through philately – as a scientific breakthrough, a symbol of progress, and a source of inspiration for the future.

The exhibition will open on April 8 at 11:00 a.m. in the library of the “Hristo Botev–1908” Community Centre, located at 45 Dorostol Street. It will remain on display until April 30, 2026, continuing Ruse’s tradition of promoting philately as both a cultural and educational pursuit.