The National Museum of Ukrainian History, Kiev

The National Museum of Ukrainian History, Kiev

Due to the large number of exhibits, incredibly vast time-span covered and uniqueness of collections displayed, the National Museum of Ukrainian History is rightfully considered to be one of Kiev’s most prominent tourist sites. Founded in 1904, the museum initially comprised mainly archaeological findings from private collections. In 1909, it started to receive governmental support and in 1935 the collections were moved to the Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra for a better display. During World War II, the museum was evacuated to Ufa, the Far Eastern part of Russia. By 1944, it had returned to Kiev and remained in its current location ever since.

The collection traces the history of Ukraine from the first Trypillya settlements (dating approximately to 7000 B.C), to the Greek period, followed by Kievan Rus, the Cossack period and, finally, the Soviet era (presented somewhat differently to what it used to be under the Soviet Union). The newer exhibits, featuring Ukraine's strive for independence and the recent Orange Revolution, are also on display. Particular mention deserve collections of rare coins, weaponry, books and documents, as well as archaeological relics and ethnographic items, including rare glass and porcelain objects. A special highlight is given to Serge Lifar, famous Ukrainian dancer, who is nicknamed locally “the god of dance.”

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kiev. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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The National Museum of Ukrainian History on Map

Sight Name: The National Museum of Ukrainian History
Sight Location: Kiev, Ukraine (See walking tours in Kiev)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Kiev, Ukraine

Create Your Own Walk in Kiev

Create Your Own Walk in Kiev

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kiev is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Andriyivskyy Descent Walk

Andriyivskyy Descent Walk

Andriyivskyy (Andrew's) Descent is a historic cobblestone street, running 720 meters (2,360 ft) downhill from the Upper (Old) Town of Kiev to the once commercial neighborhood of Podil (Lower Town), ending at Kontraktova Square.

According to a legend, there was once a sea where the Dnieper River now flows. When Saint Andrew, the Apostle came to Kiev and erected a cross on the spot where St...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Monastery of Kiev Caves Tour

Monastery of Kiev Caves Tour

Some sources say that Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra (Monastery of Kiev Caves Tour) was initiated in 1051, when Reverend Anthony arrived there. He, together with some of his followers, built an entire complex composed of caves and monasteries. When the monks moved to a monastery which is on Lavra's territory, the caves were utilized as burial sites. Nowadays it is included in the UNESCO World...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Kiev's Architectural Jewels

Kiev's Architectural Jewels

Kiev is a city with such a wide diversity of architectural styles from various periods of time. The best European, Russian and Ukrainian architects and artists worked on the buildings of the capital of Ukraine. Some of the elements are absolutely unique and can be seen exclusively in Kiev. Some of the most famed architects who contributed to the city's beauty and originality are Vikentiy...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Kiev Introduction Walking Tour

Kiev Introduction Walking Tour

Kiev is a very old city. It was initiated approximately 1500 years ago. Since 1934, it was Soviet Ukraine's capital and remained the main city of the country with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Being one of the biggest cities in Europe, it has a very specific history, architecture and cultural life. One can never be bored in Kiev, as it has endless interesting and captivating places to...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Kiev Souvenirs: 12 Distinctively Ukrainian Products to Bring Home

Kiev Souvenirs: 12 Distinctively Ukrainian Products to Bring Home

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