Ivankiv Museum of Local History

Historical references:

The Ivankiv Museum of Local History was more than a museum. For decades, it preserved the history, traditions and cultural identity of the Ivankiv region and served as an important cultural space for the local community. Its collection included historical and ethnographic objects, works by local artists and craftspeople, and a unique collection of works by the world-renowned Ukrainian artist Maria Prymachenko, who was born and lived nearby.

In the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the museum was destroyed by Russian shelling. As the building burned, local residents risked their lives to save its collection. They entered the burning museum and rescued 14 works by Prymachenko, along with other cultural objects. Their actions became a powerful example of a community protecting its heritage with its own hands.

The restoration of the museum is therefore not only about rebuilding what was destroyed. It is about restoring an important cultural centre for Ivankiv and creating a space that can contribute to the community’s recovery and future development — a place to preserve local memory, share knowledge, bring people together and strengthen a sense of belonging and pride in their heritage.