About This Site

The Taras Shevchenko National Museum in Kyiv houses the world's largest collection of works and memorabilia of the great Ukrainian poet, artist, and thinker. Founded in 1949, the museum preserves over 50,000 exhibits.

The Taras Shevchenko National Museum is a unique cultural institution that houses the most comprehensive collection of works by the outstanding Ukrainian poet, artist, and public figure Taras Hryhorovych Shevchenko. The museum is located in a picturesque 19th-century palace that belonged to the Tereshchenko family — renowned patrons and industrialists. The museum's collection comprises over 50,000 exhibits, including original paintings and graphic works by Shevchenko, his autographs, first editions of 'Kobzar', the poet's personal belongings, photographs, and documents related to his life and work. The museum's 24 halls present not only Shevchenko's own works but also creations by his contemporaries — K. Briullov, I. Repin, V. Tropinin, I. Kramskoy, and other masters. The museum actively engages in research, organizes exhibitions and conferences, and publishes catalogues and monographs. It operates a library with a collection of over 34,000 volumes of Shevchenko studies. Particularly valuable are the artist's original etchings and watercolors, as well as rare photographs and period documents. The museum also hosts exhibitions of contemporary Ukrainian art, lectures, and master classes for children and adults. The museum building itself is an architectural monument — a classical palace with a colonnade that creates a solemn atmosphere for acquaintance with the great Kobzar's legacy.

Historical Significance

The museum was founded in 1949 based on the former Shevchenko Art Gallery in Kharkiv and the Ukrainian Historical Museum named after Taras Shevchenko in Kyiv. The idea of creating the museum arose back in 1914, when the public celebrated the 100th anniversary of the poet's birth. In 1939, the collection was moved to the Tereshchenko Palace at 12 Shevchenko Boulevard. During World War II, part of the exhibits were evacuated, and some were lost. After the war, the museum resumed its work, actively replenishing its funds. An important milestone was obtaining National status in 1993, after Ukraine gained independence. This emphasized Shevchenko's significance as a symbol of Ukrainian national identity. The museum continues to develop, implementing modern museum technologies and expanding exhibitions.

Highlights

• ✓Over 800 original paintings and graphic works by Shevchenko
• ✓Rare autographs and manuscripts of the poet
• ✓First editions of 'Kobzar' with autographs
• ✓Personal belongings and memorial exhibits
• ✓Works by Shevchenko's contemporaries
• ✓Library with 34,000 volumes of Shevchenko studies
• ✓19th-century Tereshchenko family palace

Photo Gallery