Museum of Ethnography and Crafts, Lviv (must see)

The Museum of Ethnography and Crafts in Lviv introduces visitors to the region’s long-standing traditions of craftsmanship, industry, and decorative art. Housed in the historic former Galicia Savings Bank, the museum occupies one of the city’s most distinctive late-19th-century buildings, known for its elaborate façade and the seated “Statue of Liberty” figure that crowns the roof. Inside, the institution continues the building’s original emphasis on culture and progress by presenting a wide-ranging survey of folk art and applied arts from across Ukraine.

Founded in 1895 as part of the Shevchenko Scientific Society, the museum initially focused on collecting handmade objects that reflected everyday life in rural communities. Over time, the collection expanded to include furniture, textiles, ceramics, glassware, and metalwork, illustrating how local traditions evolved through different historical periods. These objects also highlight the influences that reached Lviv through trade and cultural exchange, giving the displays a broader regional context.

Another highlight of the museum is its emphasis on craftsmanship. Exhibits trace how artisans adapted techniques and motifs to suit changing tastes, illustrating the shift from purely functional household items to pieces valued for their artistic qualities. This balance between utility and decoration is particularly visible in the galleries dedicated to carved wood, embroidered fabrics, and ornate ceramics.

Visitors will also encounter sections exploring the development of industrial design. These displays connect folk art with the emergence of modern manufacturing, showing how traditional motifs found new expression in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The result is a museum that offers both a historical overview and an insight into the creative spirit that continues to shape Ukrainian culture.