Chernihiv Regional Art Museum (Hryhorii Galagan) | Chernihiv

The Chernihiv Regional Art Museum named after Hryhorii Galagan is one of Ukraine’s notable cultural institutions, located in the historic city of Chernihiv. It houses a vast and diverse collection of Ukrainian and European art and is especially valued for its rich assemblage of sacred, folk, and classical works. The museum plays a key role in preserving regional heritage and promoting Ukrainian artistic traditions.

Historical Overview

The museum was officially founded in 1983, although its origins are linked to earlier efforts to collect and preserve artworks in the Chernihiv region. It was named after Hryhorii Galagan (1819–1888), a prominent Ukrainian patron of the arts and education, whose family legacy is tied to the cultural development of Left-Bank Ukraine. The museum is housed in a 19th-century building that itself is a preserved architectural monument.

It is located in Dytynets Park, within the ancient fortress area of Chernihiv, which was the historical and administrative center of the city. This location places the museum at the heart of one of Ukraine's oldest cities, making it easily accessible to visitors exploring other historical landmarks nearby.

Museum Collection

The museum holds over 16,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, graphics, icons, folk art, and decorative works. The collection spans from the 16th century to contemporary times.

1. Ukrainian Sacred Art

A prominent part of the museum's holdings consists of Ukrainian Baroque icons from the 17th–18th centuries.

Key themes include portrayals of Christ, the Virgin Mary, saints, and archangels, often richly decorated with gold leaf and symbolic elements.

One notable series includes depictions of Archangel Michael, the heavenly patron of Kyiv and protector in Orthodox tradition.

2. Cossack Art and Folk Heritage

The museum exhibits multiple versions of the legendary Cossack Mamay, a symbolic figure of the Ukrainian spirit—portrayed playing a kobza (lute) and seated under a tree with weapons nearby.

Folk paintings, embroidered textiles, ceramics, and woodwork reflect the everyday and spiritual life of rural Ukraine.

3. European Fine Art

The museum’s collection includes works by Western European masters from the 16th–19th centuries, representing Dutch, Flemish, French, and Italian schools. Highlights include:

Hendrick ter Brugghen – “The Concert” (1626), a masterpiece of Dutch Caravaggism.

Jean-Baptiste Greuze, Hubert Robert, François Marius Granet – French painters known for portraits, romantic ruins, and historical scenes.

Paintings depicting biblical, mythological, and allegorical themes.

4. Russian and Ukrainian Painting (18th–20th century)

Works by artists such as Apollon Mokritsky (a portraitist of the Ukrainian intelligentsia), Lev Lagorio (landscapes), and Nikolai Ge (philosophical biblical scenes).

Portraits of Ukrainian nobility and clergy, genre scenes, and landscapes that reflect social and national transformations over time.

5. Sculpture and Decorative Arts

European sculptures by Félix Lecomte, Gustave Doré, and François Pompon are part of the museum’s classical collection.

Decorative arts include Ukrainian ceramics, metalwork, and 19th-century glassware, as well as modern interpretations of traditional crafts.

Wartime Impact and Restoration

During the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Chernihiv Regional Art Museum suffered damage due to nearby shelling:

Exterior damage occurred to the façade and roof.

Exhibition halls and storage areas were compromised, placing parts of the collection at risk.

Museum staff acted swiftly to secure and preserve key works.

Since then, restoration and security efforts have been supported by both domestic initiatives and international cultural preservation programs:

A solar power system was installed to ensure electricity supply during blackouts.

A reinforced basement storage now functions as a shelter for visitors and artworks during air raid alarms.

Support from European programs has facilitated the installation of modern climate control and safety infrastructure.

Museum Building

The museum is located in a former noble estate, a fine example of 19th-century architecture with neoclassical influences. The building’s interior is carefully restored to showcase the artworks in dignified historical settings, with high ceilings, arched windows, and gallery lighting that enhances viewing conditions.

Public Engagement

The museum is active in educational and community outreach. It offers:

Guided tours for schools, universities, and tourists.

Temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary Ukrainian artists and thematic shows on historical anniversaries.

Workshops and lectures on iconography, art history, and conservation.

Collaborations with other museums and cultural foundations to host international exhibitions.

It is part of the broader “Ancient Chernihiv” National Reserve, contributing to the cultural ecosystem of the city.

Visiting Information

Address: Muzeyna Street 6, Chernihiv, Ukraine.

Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Wednesdays.

Admission:

Adults – 30 UAH

Students – 20 UAH

Children – 15 UAH

Guided tour – 225 UAH

Contact:

Phone: +380 50 722 1911

The Chernihiv Regional Art Museum is a vital institution for understanding Ukrainian identity through its visual history. Despite the challenges of war, it remains committed to preserving artistic heritage and offering insight into the soul of the Ukrainian people through centuries of creativity, devotion, and resistance.