It was opened by royalty just over three years ago but since then a unique Shropshire museum exhibition has gone from strength to strength, attracting more than a million visitors.

Now the success of the £15 million National Cold War Exhibition at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford has been celebrated. About 90 dignitaries gathered at the exhibition yesterday for a reception showcasing the facility’s success.

Air Chief Marshall Sir John Day, chairman of the museum’s trustees, said: “The National Cold War exhibition opened in February 2007. In just over three-and-a-half years 1.25 million people have visited. We are clearly absolutely delighted.”

He said the facility, which was opened by Princess Anne, had been a resounding success and they were very proud of the awards they had received.

In 2007 the exhibition building won a European Steel Structure award, best visitor attraction in the West Midlands through Tourism West Midlands in the same year and an Awards For All honour in 2008.

Peter Dye, the museum’s director general, said they currently attracted more than 300,000 visitors with last month their busiest with more than 39,000 people.

He told those gathered at the event: “I believe it is hugely appropriate that we mark the success of the Cold War Exhibition by inviting those in the community in which it is placed and supports and those individuals and organisations who have helped make it a reality.”

Mr Dye highlighted the success of the museum’s apprenticeship programme at the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre, which trains young people in vital engineering skills to help restore and preserve aircraft from the past. He said they were also in discussions with the Assault Glider Trust about finding a permanent home at the museum for its collection.

Museum marketing manager Karen Crick said: “There are a couple of Cold War museums around the world but this is the only one of its type in this country and we have got the landmark building as well.”