The Shukai! project features 41 mini-sculptures installed across different locations in Kyiv. Each sculpture signifies various aspects of Kyiv’s rich history and culture. Some mini-sculptures are dedicated to historical figures, while others represent city’s symbols such as the Kyiv Chestnut.
Kyiv
The Mariinsky Palace, built as an imperial residence in Kyiv in 1755, offers registered online excursions lasting 45 minutes. Visitors undergo security procedures similar to airport checks and can photograph various sections including the White Hall and negotiation rooms. The palace has survived fires, bombings, and multiple renovations, finally becoming the Presidential Residence in 1991. Highlights include an exhibition of presidential gifts, historical paintings, and elaborate dining settings. The Indian movie “RRR” was partially filmed at the Palace. Register online for information on excursion costs and schedules.
The Chernobyl Museum, situated near Kontraktova Square in Kyiv, has an extensive collection of documents, photographs, personal belongings, station models, and equipment from the Chernobyl disaster. The museum’s exhibits paint a vivid picture of the event and its aftermath, including the abandoned villages, experiences of station staff and liquidators, and the effects of radiation. Visitors can access an exhibition on nuclear terrorism. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with tickets ranging from UAH 45-90.
The Museum of Miniatures “Ukraine in Miniature” in Kyiv’s Hydropark holds around 80 miniature objects representing significant landmarks from Kyiv, Crimea, Lviv, and other regions of Ukraine. Also included are famous Indonesian landmarks, introduced in 2017 with support from the Indonesian Embassy. Operating hours vary seasonally and tickets range from free to 150 UAH.
The Nikolai Grishko Botanical Garden, established in 1935, boasts numerous attractions, including the fountain “Rebirth”, a Master Yoda sculpture, and varying seasonal exhibitions. It features gardens representing various cultures like Indonesia, Korea, Tibet, and Japan, alongside its rose, lilac and other thematic gardens. This botanical diversity is augmented by captivating art and sci-fi installations, making it a celebrated attraction, particularly during May when cherry blossoms and lilacs are in full bloom.
The Samson Fountain, located on Kontraktova Square, was designed by Ivan Hryhorovych-Barskyi and features a sculpture of St. Andrew and sundials by Bruillon. The current Samson statue is a plaster copy; the original has been lost. In 2019 Samson was briefly painted pink, and in 2020 the fountain and statue underwent renovation.