The bust dedicated to the Soviet Air Force pilot and cosmonaut who became the first human to journey into outer space was formally unveiled by Ambassador Anvar Azimov, Deputy Mayor Marko Filipovic and Russian astronaut Anatoly Pavlovich Artsebarsky.
Filipovic recalled that cooperation considering this project had started between Rijeka and Russia a few years ago through plans to promote the work of Robert Ludvigovich Bartini, a Soviet aircraft designer and scientist involved in the development of numerous successful and experimental aircraft projects, who is believed to have been born in Rijeka.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Azimov promised the donation of a bust of Bartini to Rijeka next time.
The bust of Gagarin is placed on Sv. Kriz Hill near the Astronomy Centre.