Lviv National Museum, Lviv (must see)

The Lviv National Museum is one of Ukraine’s most significant cultural institutions, founded in 1905 by Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky to preserve and promote the artistic heritage of the Ukrainian people. Conceived at a time of rising national awareness, the museum was intended to consolidate scattered collections of sacred art, manuscripts, and folk objects into a single public institution. Today, it remains closely associated with Sheptytsky’s vision and continues to play a leading role in presenting the depth and diversity of Ukrainian culture.

The museum’s primary building on Drahomanov Street occupies an early 20th-century structure originally designed for an insurance company, giving it a distinctive presence in the city centre. Inside, visitors encounter a series of permanent and temporary exhibitions that guide them through centuries of Ukrainian artistic expression. The layout emphasises clarity and thematic focus, allowing each section to stand on its own while contributing to a broader narrative.

A major highlight is the museum’s renowned collection of medieval and early modern sacred art, including icons, wooden sculptures, liturgical textiles, and rare manuscripts. These works illuminate the spiritual and artistic traditions of regions such as Halychyna and Volhynia, offering insight into local craftsmanship and stylistic evolution. The collection of Baroque and Rococo icons is particularly notable, reflecting the cultural exchanges that shaped the area’s visual identity.

Visitors will also find exhibitions dedicated to 19th- and 20th-century Ukrainian painting, featuring artists who helped define modern Ukrainian artistic movements. By moving between centuries-old artefacts and more contemporary works, guests gain a broad perspective on the region’s creative history and the museum’s central role in preserving it.