Key points:
- A public discussion was held in Kyiv on the work of museums in frontline and displaced conditions.
- Deputy Minister of Culture Ivan Verbytsky emphasised the importance of dialogue with the museum community.
- Participants discussed the evacuation of collections and the protection of heritage in occupied territories.
- Discussed the need for institutional changes within the framework of the Culture Development Strategy for 2025–2030.
The National Museum of Ukrainian History hosted a public discussion entitled “Frontline and Displaced Museums: Life in ‘Special Conditions’,” dedicated to the work of museum institutions during the war. Ivan Verbytsky took part in the event. The event brought together museum workers, researchers, and members of the public to discuss the daily challenges faced by cultural institutions in conditions of military action and forced displacement.
Participants discussed practices for evacuating museum collections, the functioning of displaced institutions, and risks to cultural heritage in temporarily occupied territories. Particular attention was paid to issues of countering looting and loss of collections, as well as finding solutions to help museums preserve memory and maintain community resilience in frontline regions.
Ivan Verbytsky emphasised that effective state cultural policy requires constant dialogue with the professional community. According to him, the work of museum workers in the extremely difficult conditions of war is an example of dedication and responsibility for the preservation of national heritage. He also drew attention to the need for institutional changes in accordance with the Strategy for Cultural Development for 2025-2030, which should take into account the realities of wartime.
The discussion was organised by the National Museum of Ukrainian History, the Mariupol Local History Museum and Mariupol State University. The event provided a platform for exchanging experiences and developing common approaches to preserving cultural heritage in wartime.
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