A Kyiv family opens up their family heritage with a display of Crimean War memorabilia on the second-floor concourse at Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University.
Prior to World War II, the Crimean War (1853-1856) was the only major conflict fought in present day Ukraine between major European combatants.
It’s recalledwith fascinated horror thanks to Tennyson’s famous poem about the slaughter of British cavalrymen at Balaclava during the Charge of the Light Brigade, and by residents of Sevastopol for the courageous stand made by Russian soldiers during the siege of that city from October 1854 to September 1855.
This October, Prince Phillip of Great Britain took part in memorial ceremonies in Crimea to mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Balaclava, and his arrival sparked some renewed interest in the war and in Crimean history in general. That interest has now spawned an exposition about Ukrainian participation in the conflict.
The Crimean War Expo of Ukrainian Heritage, which opened on Nov. 9 at Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University, includes an interesting series of displays that recall everyday life during the war and commemorate local participation in the war’s various battles between the English, French, Turks and Piedmontese, on the one hand, and the Russians on the other, for control of the Crimean peninsula. The exhibition is a chance for historians and the uninformed alike to sense in a tangible way this part of Ukrainian history.
Among the items on display will be decorations for bravery and heroism in combat; a photo gallery depicting various aspects of the war; various examples of battlefield weaponry, many of which were used during the siege of Sevastopol; uniforms like those worn by members of the English Light Brigade who perished in Tennyson’s “Valley of Death”; everyday items that show the conditions in which soldiers lived; and a rare collection of coins minted during the war and others that commemorate the conflict – a particular treat for numismatists. There will even be a private collection from Kyiv’s Sheremetverykh private family collection of Crimean War artifacts, documents and other items of historical significance.
This unique collection will be on display from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. daily on the red university’s second floor concourse, but only for a short time; the exhibition closes on Dec. 7. The best part of all is that it’s free.
Crimean War Expo
of Ukrainian Heritage
Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University, second floor concourse.
64 Volodymyrska, Lva Tolstoho metro.
Exhibition open daily from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m.
Free admission.
Polish Potential
Although it closes on Monday, Nov. 15, “Warsaw in Kyiv” is an exhibit worth visiting. It’s unfortunate that it’s only being displayed for 10 days, because there are some wonderful works to see. Containing works of more than 70 Polish artists and spanning decades, the exhibit comprehends mediums and styles from charcoal and etchings to photography and bronze sculpture. From the avant-garde to the surreal, the exhibit encompasses a wide range of Polish talent in many artistic spheres.
Warsaw in Kyiv
Ukrainian Artists’ House
1-5 Artema, 212-0535.
Open Wed.-Sun. from 11 a.m. till 7 p.m.
