National Museum of the History of Ukraine
Explore Ukraine's rich history, from ancient artifacts to modern resilience, including the iconic Motherland Monument.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective time
National Museum of the History of Ukraine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Ukraine's rich history, from ancient artifacts to modern resilience, including the iconic Motherland Monument.
"A powerful and educational experience, offering deep insights into Ukraine's enduring spirit."
🎯 Consider an English Tour
Highly recommended for deeper understanding, even with non-native English speakers. Worth the small fee!
🛍️ Don't Miss the Museum Shop
Grab a T-shirt or illustrated brochure to support the museum and remember your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Defenders of Mariupol Exhibit
A solemn tribute to the heroes of Azovstal, featuring personal items and their last words. Heart-wrenching and powerful.
Ancient Artifacts
Explore tools and weapons from the Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages, showcasing Ukraine's deep historical roots.
Motherland Monument
Exterior of the museum complex
An iconic Soviet-era statue, now symbolizing Ukraine's strength with the tryzub emblem.
Military and Occupant Items
Displays of everyday tools, weapons, and personal items from captured or deceased occupants.
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Planning Your Visit
Navigating Current Realities
Enhance Your Visit with Local Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Consider an English Tour
Highly recommended for deeper understanding, even with non-native English speakers. Worth the small fee!
🛍️ Don't Miss the Museum Shop
Grab a T-shirt or illustrated brochure to support the museum and remember your visit.
🏛️ Check Opening Hours
Verify current operating times, especially given the ongoing situation.
📸 Capture the Monument
The Motherland Monument is a must-see, especially with the updated tryzub emblem.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Consider an English Tour
Highly recommended for deeper understanding, even with non-native English speakers. Worth the small fee!
🛍️ Don't Miss the Museum Shop
Grab a T-shirt or illustrated brochure to support the museum and remember your visit.
🏛️ Check Opening Hours
Verify current operating times, especially given the ongoing situation.
📸 Capture the Monument
The Motherland Monument is a must-see, especially with the updated tryzub emblem.
🗺️ Self-Guided Challenges
Be prepared for limited English information if you opt for a self-guided tour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the museum for its powerful exhibits, especially the poignant 'Defenders of Mariupol' section and the impressive Motherland Monument. The affordability and the option for insightful English tours are also highlighted. However, the lack of English translations for many exhibits can be a drawback for self-guided visitors.
"It was a thrilling experience visiting the museum. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing war, the most precious exhibits, such as items from the Scythian Gold collection, have been evacuated for safety. However, the museum presents everyday tools (including weapons) from the Neolithic, Bronze, and early Iron Age very well. Another part of the museum is dedicated to military and personal items of captured or deceased occupants.
One entire floor is solemnly dedicated to the Defenders of Mariupol, who sought shelter in Azovstal, and their personal items, such as boots and the books they read, are on display. Heart-wrenching exhibits include their last words and credos, reminding visitors of the sacrifices made during those challenging times.
Before leaving, don't forget to visit the Museum shop, where you can purchase a nice T-shirt for 5-7 euros or a qualitatively illustrated brochure, so you can take a piece of this powerful experience with you."
Ivan Kuprijanov
"It's definitely one of the best museums in the city, actually encompassing much of the military history of the country. It has a strong bent towards the current war, but it offers a fesh, surprisingly neutral, and educational perspective on it. That they discuss NAFO shows their dedication to covering all aspects of the current war and how weird the current war is"
Jack
"Founded at the end of 19th century, this museum holds Ukraine's history from ancient times onward. It is one of the larges museums in Ukraine and it holds around 800 000 exhibits in its collection (more than 20 000 exhibits on permanent display). If you are interested in archaeology, numismatics, ethnography, books, weapons, etc., visit this place."
Daniel Haman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on Volodymyrska Street in Kyiv's historic center. It's accessible by public transport, with several bus routes stopping nearby. Taxis are also readily available.
The closest metro stations are Zoloti Vorota (Golden Gate) and Teatralna. From there, it's a short walk to the museum.
Driving is possible, but parking in the historic center can be challenging. Public transport or ride-sharing services are often more convenient.
While the Motherland Monument is visible from afar, accessibility within the museum buildings can vary. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific information regarding ramps and elevators.
From Boryspil International Airport (KBP), you can take a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. Public transport options involve a combination of bus and metro, which can be more time-consuming.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, especially due to current circumstances. It's essential to check the museum's official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Admission fees are generally affordable. A guided English tour costs around 6 euros per person, which is highly recommended for a comprehensive experience.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets or tours in advance, especially for English-language tours, is a good idea to secure your spot and ensure availability.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or other groups is best confirmed directly with the museum. It's always worth inquiring upon arrival or checking their official channels.
The Motherland Monument is part of the museum complex. While you can see it from the outside, access to the monument and its immediate surroundings typically requires museum admission.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the poignant 'Defenders of Mariupol' exhibit, the ancient artifacts from prehistoric eras, and the displays of military history. The Motherland Monument is also a significant highlight.
Yes, guided tours are available, including in English, which are highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the exhibits.
To fully appreciate the exhibits, especially with a guided tour, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you're interested in military history, you might spend longer.
Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography is permitted in most areas, but it's best to check for specific signage or ask museum staff.
The Motherland Monument is a colossal statue that was part of the Soviet-era museum. Its recent alteration to feature Ukraine's tryzub emblem signifies a powerful shift in national identity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself may not have extensive dining facilities. However, there are numerous cafes and restaurants in the surrounding historic district of Kyiv offering a variety of Ukrainian and international cuisine.
Typically, bringing outside food and drinks into museum exhibition halls is not permitted. There might be designated areas for refreshments, but it's best to consume them before entering or after your visit.
You'll find traditional Ukrainian dishes like borscht, varenyky (dumplings), and Kyiv cake in the nearby eateries. Many places offer affordable lunch specials.
Yes, Kyiv has a growing number of restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan options. You can easily find these by searching for 'vegetarian restaurants near National Museum of the History of Ukraine' on your preferred map app.
Prices can vary, but you can find both budget-friendly cafes and more upscale dining experiences in the vicinity. The museum shop offers affordable snacks and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The Motherland Monument is a prime subject. The museum's architecture and the exterior grounds also offer great photographic opportunities.
Generally, non-flash photography is allowed for personal use. However, always look for signage or ask staff, as some sensitive exhibits may have restrictions.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in urban areas and around sensitive sites like museums and monuments due to security regulations.
Morning light can be beautiful for the Motherland Monument, while late afternoon might offer softer light for the museum's exterior. Consider the weather for dramatic shots.
The 'Defenders of Mariupol' exhibit, while somber, offers powerful visual narratives. The Motherland Monument itself, with its updated emblem, is a significant photographic symbol.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📚 History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Motherland Monument: A Symbol of Change
In a significant act of de-Sovietization and national affirmation, the Soviet emblem on the monument's shield was replaced with Ukraine's national symbol, the tryzub (trident), in 2023. This transformation marks a powerful visual statement of Ukraine's evolving identity and its rejection of its Soviet past. The monument now stands not just as a memorial to World War II, but as a potent symbol of Ukrainian resilience and sovereignty.
Visitors often marvel at the sheer scale of the monument and its symbolic transformation. It's a popular spot for photographs, capturing both its historical context and its contemporary significance. The surrounding museum grounds also offer insights into Ukraine's military history, making the monument a focal point of a broader historical narrative.
Navigating Exhibits Amidst Conflict
A particularly impactful section is dedicated to the Defenders of Mariupol. This solemn exhibit showcases personal items belonging to those who sought refuge in Azovstal, including their boots, books, and poignant last words. It serves as a deeply emotional reminder of the sacrifices made during the siege and the ongoing conflict. The museum also presents everyday tools and weapons from prehistoric eras, demonstrating the deep historical roots of the Ukrainian people, alongside displays of military history and items related to the current war, offering a surprisingly neutral and educational perspective.
While the absence of certain key exhibits is noticeable, the museum's current presentation provides a vital and timely narrative of Ukraine's history, resilience, and the human cost of conflict. The dedication to covering all aspects of the current war, even referencing groups like NAFO, highlights their commitment to a comprehensive and evolving historical record.
Understanding Ukraine's History: From Prehistory to Present
The museum is a treasure trove for those interested in archaeology, numismatics, ethnography, books, and weapons. Visitors can explore items from the Neolithic, Bronze, and early Iron Ages, offering a glimpse into the lives of ancient inhabitants of the region. The museum's commitment to preserving and presenting Ukraine's rich heritage is evident in its diverse holdings.
Beyond its ancient collections, the museum also delves into more recent history, including significant military history and the ongoing conflict. This comprehensive approach allows visitors to gain a holistic understanding of Ukraine's journey through centuries of change and struggle.
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