National Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine, Kiev

Spread over 150 hectares of countryside, this open-air museum is filled with mock villages representing different regions of Ukraine, allowing you to immerse yourself in Ukrainian culture.



Locals often refer to the museum as ‘Pirohiv’, after the original settlement once that occupied the land. Archaeological evidence suggests that the settlement had been in use since the Bronze Age, but it was first mentioned in 1627, as a feudal domain of the Kyivan Cave Monastery.

The authentic artefacts and displays all lack description; they instead focus on showcasing the folk culture and lifestyle as it was lived by the average Ukrainian, allowing visitors to imagine themselves as part of both. They cover all aspects of the traditional pastoral life, with Ukrainian artisans dressed in traditional vyshyvanka demonstrating the trades of their ancestors.

The village hosts theatrical performances and celebrations dedicated to different folk holidays, as well as workshops and demonstrations based on ancient crafts. There are weekly market days at the centre of the old settlement, and various food stands sell simple, traditional food.

/Wikimedia PD
/Wikimedia PD
 Roman Starchenko/Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en
Roman Starchenko/Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en
 Nick Shaforostoff/Wikimedia CC-BY-SA-3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en
Nick Shaforostoff/Wikimedia CC-BY-SA-3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en
 Public Domain
Public Domain

Opening Hours

Monday:
09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday:
09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday:
09:00 - 18:00
Thursday:
09:00 - 18:00
Friday:
09:00 - 18:00
Saturday:
09:00 - 18:00
Sunday:
09:00 - 18:00
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