National Art Museum of Ukraine | Kyiv

National Art Museum of Ukraine – Detailed Overview

General Overview

The National Art Museum of Ukraine (NAMU) is the oldest public art museum in Kyiv and one of Ukraine’s most significant cultural institutions. It presents a comprehensive view of Ukrainian visual art from the Kyivan Rus’ period (12th century) to contemporary art. Its mission is to preserve, research, and promote Ukrainian art and cultural heritage both domestically and internationally.

Established: 1899 (opened to the public in 1904)

Founders: Ukrainian intellectuals including Mykola Biliashivsky, Fedir Vovk, and Volodymyr Antonovych

Collection Size: Over 40,000 works of art

Location: 6 Mykhaila Hrushevskoho Street, Kyiv, near the European Square

Architecture

Style: Neoclassical

Architect: Władysław Horodecki, a Polish-born architect known for Kyiv landmarks like the House with Chimeras

Sculptural Work: Created by Elio Salia, includes iconic lion sculptures at the entrance

Features:

Greek temple-style façade with Corinthian columns

Symmetrical structure designed to reflect the seriousness and prestige of classical culture

Nicknamed “Museum of Lions” due to the prominent lion statues

Exhibitions & Collections

NAMU's collection spans several centuries and movements, providing a layered narrative of Ukrainian identity, religious expression, political change, and aesthetic evolution. Below are the key collection areas:

1. Medieval and Religious Art

12th to 18th centuries

Rare Orthodox Christian icons, mosaics, and wood carvings

Notable piece: St. George with Hagiography – a polychrome wooden relief from the 12th century

Ukrainian Baroque iconography, often with vibrant colors and gold leaf

2. 19th Century Ukrainian Art

Focus on realism and romanticism during the Russian Empire period

Artists:

Taras Shevchenko – Ukraine’s national poet and painter; known for romantic and symbolic themes

Mykola Pymonenko – Realist painter of rural life and folk scenes

Serhiy Vasylkivsky – Renowned for Ukrainian Cossack heritage depictions

3. Early 20th Century and Avant-Garde

Reflects Ukraine’s participation in European modernist movements

Artists:

Oleksandr Bohomazov – Ukrainian Cubo-Futurist, considered a peer of Kandinsky and Malevich

Vasyl Yermilov – Leader in Constructivist design

Influences: Cubism, Futurism, Constructivism

4. Soviet Period Art (1920s–1980s)

Includes both official socialist realism and nonconformist art

Displays ideological art, heroic labor scenes, but also hidden dissident works

Some pieces reflect attempts to subtly preserve Ukrainian identity under Soviet control

5. Contemporary Ukrainian Art (1990s–present)

Post-independence exploration of identity, conflict, and modernization

Includes multimedia installations, photography, digital art, and painting

Regularly updated with recent works, including those reflecting the 2014 Revolution of Dignity and the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war

Facilities and Services

Permanent and temporary exhibitions

Lecture hall for educational programs and cultural discussions

Guided tours in Ukrainian, English, and other languages (available upon request)

Museum shop with catalogues, prints, and Ukrainian cultural items

Online archive and virtual exhibitions available via Google Arts & Culture

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Typically open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00

Closed on Mondays

Last admission: ~17:30 (varies seasonally)

Admission Fees

Standard ticket: Around 150–200 UAH (approx. $4–5 USD)

Discounts: For students, pensioners, and organized groups

Free admission on certain cultural days and for children under 12

Accessibility

The building is historical, so wheelchair access may be limited

Staff are generally accommodating, and assistance is available if arranged in advance

Photography

Non-flash photography is typically permitted for personal use

Professional or commercial photography requires prior approval

How to Get There

Metro: Closest stations are Khreschatyk and Maidan Nezalezhnosti

Walking: Easily accessible from central Kyiv landmarks like Independence Square and the Mariinsky Park

Address: 6 Hrushevskoho Street, opposite the Cabinet of Ministers and near the Dnipro River embankment

Nearby Attractions

Mariinsky Palace and Park

Ukrainian House

St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery

National Philharmonic of Ukraine

Dnipro River viewpoint