The museum is located in a house-monument of architecture of the 19th century, built in 1870 according to the design of the architect Alexander Schiele (water tower/water museum, Hotel Prague). Since 1871, this house housed the Pavel Galagan Collegium, which was considered one of the best private educational institutions in the city. Representatives of Ukrainian literature visited here several times, and in the period from 1885 to 1886, the famous Ukrainian writer Ivan Franko worked in the college library, the interior of which was designed by Italian masters and has survived to this day almost completely. Now the library has a permanent exhibition, the materials of which tell about the history of this educational institution. At that time, St. Paul’s Church operated under the collegium. It was here in May 1886 that Ivan Franko married Olga Khoruzhinskaya. Today, the first exhibition hall is located in the library premises.
The National Museum of Literature of Ukraine is the central museum of this profile in the country. Its exposition is quite large, it covers all periods of the development of Ukrainian literature, starting with the stage of Kievan Rus and ending with modern times. The total number of exhibits on display is about 5,000 units; in total, the museum has about 85,000 exhibits. The pride of the museum’s collection are samples of ancient publications from the 17th and 18th centuries, photographs, works of fine and decorative art, unique early printed books, in particular the first printed book in Slavic letters “Apostle” by Ivan Fedorov.
Among the museum’s relics are lifetime editions of works by I. Kotlyarevsky, Taras Shevchenko, Kulish, Kostomarov, I. Franko, M. Drahomanov, manuscripts of Lesya Ukrainka, M. Starytsky, P. Tychyna, M. Rylsky, V. Symonenko, personal belongings of P. Mirny, Nechuy-Levitsky, Mark Vovchk, G. Kosinka, O. Gonchar, I. Bagryany, V. Samchuk and modern writers, magazines and almanacs of the 19th – early 20th centuries, works of famous artists, documentary materials.
The museum constantly hosts literary meetings, cultural festivals, presentation of literary prizes, presentations of book and periodicals, evenings with the participation of writers, scientists, artists, and masters of art. There is a weekend club, a lecture hall, a club for lovers of modern literature, a literary and art studio, a music lounge, and a school of folk studies, which everyone can attend. The program “For the Spiritual Revival of Ukraine” developed by scientists is successfully operating. The exhibition halls of the museum display literary and artistic works that represent not only national culture, but also the best world achievements. The events are held in collaboration with leading scientific institutions, publishing houses, cultural centers and public organizations.
Where is the National Museum of Literature of Ukraine?
Bogdana Khmelnitsky Street, 11
(044) 235-12-96
Mon-Fri: 09:00–17:00, Sat: 10:00–18:00, Sun: closed
last Wednesday of the month – free entry
last Friday of the month – sanitary day