Go backVISITING UKRAINE: KYIV and CHERNIHIV
July, 2024
Ukrainian Museums Amidst War: Kyiv and Chernihiv Resilience
OBMIN visited #Museums colleagues in #Kyiv and #Chernihiv to spend a week with them to discuss future projects. The conditions under which museum workers operate during constant shelling left visitors deeply impressed by their determination and resilience. The War Museum (National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War. Memorial Complex) in Kyiv added an exhibition on the new horrors of the war imposed by Russia. The Kyiv-based Museum of Natural Science and History has to do mainly without energy, seriously threatening the valuable collection, mammoths included. However, during these dark hours visitors experience the rich museum using torchlights. The National Museum of Decorative Arts only can show temporary exhibition. In addition the museum - like many others - offers #museums-therapy for children, soldiers and war victims.
#Chernihiv located near the borders with Russia and Belarus, was one of the first cities to be occupied by Russia in February 2022. The aftermath of this occupation is being dealt with in the Chernihiv Regional Museum. After liberation in May, the city's residents began rebuilding their lives with remarkable ingenuity. One example is the Chernihiv Art Museum, which continues to organize exhibitions using copies of the originals. Visitors actively support these initiatives.
Chernihiv is home to the Ancient Chernihiv National Architectural and Historical Reserve, comprising the Old Town, including churches going back to the 11th and 12th centuries. A paradise for conservators and everybody visiting. This is one of the many examples of what humanity might lose due to the barbaric war initiated by Russia. This ancient town deserves to be declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
It is also worth noting that Ukrainian museums not only preserve cultural values, but also actively participate in volunteer projects. For instance, many museum workers in Kyiv and Chernihiv are involved in helping internally displaced persons, organizing humanitarian aid collections and supporting local communities. This underlines their crucial role in society, not only as preservers of history and culture, but also as active participants in the present.
Despite all the challenges, Ukrainian museums continue to operate, adapt to new realities, and preserve the spirit of the nation. They are symbols of resilience and hope for a bright future.
OBMIN visited #Museums colleagues in #Kyiv and #Chernihiv to spend a week with them to discuss future projects. The conditions under which museum workers operate during constant shelling left visitors deeply impressed by their determination and resilience. The War Museum (National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War. Memorial Complex) in Kyiv added an exhibition on the new horrors of the war imposed by Russia. The Kyiv-based Museum of Natural Science and History has to do mainly without energy, seriously threatening the valuable collection, mammoths included. However, during these dark hours visitors experience the rich museum using torchlights. The National Museum of Decorative Arts only can show temporary exhibition. In addition the museum - like many others - offers #museums-therapy for children, soldiers and war victims.
#Chernihiv located near the borders with Russia and Belarus, was one of the first cities to be occupied by Russia in February 2022. The aftermath of this occupation is being dealt with in the Chernihiv Regional Museum. After liberation in May, the city's residents began rebuilding their lives with remarkable ingenuity. One example is the Chernihiv Art Museum, which continues to organize exhibitions using copies of the originals. Visitors actively support these initiatives.
Chernihiv is home to the Ancient Chernihiv National Architectural and Historical Reserve, comprising the Old Town, including churches going back to the 11th and 12th centuries. A paradise for conservators and everybody visiting. This is one of the many examples of what humanity might lose due to the barbaric war initiated by Russia. This ancient town deserves to be declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
It is also worth noting that Ukrainian museums not only preserve cultural values, but also actively participate in volunteer projects. For instance, many museum workers in Kyiv and Chernihiv are involved in helping internally displaced persons, organizing humanitarian aid collections and supporting local communities. This underlines their crucial role in society, not only as preservers of history and culture, but also as active participants in the present.
Despite all the challenges, Ukrainian museums continue to operate, adapt to new realities, and preserve the spirit of the nation. They are symbols of resilience and hope for a bright future.
