On December 5, Mykola Tochytskyi, the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, and Hanna Wróblewska, the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of Poland, officially opened the exhibition “The Cabinet of European Art: Masterpieces from the Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko National Museum of Arts in Kyiv” in Warsaw. The exhibition is held in the historic interiors of the Royal Castle.
Mykola Tochytskyi expressed gratitude to Poland for supporting Ukrainian art and highlighted the profound symbolism of hosting this exhibition in the Royal Castle — a site destroyed during World War II and later rebuilt through the united efforts of Polish citizens. The Minister stressed that such solidarity between Ukraine and Poland is crucial for resisting russian aggression and rebuilding Ukraine following their shared victory.
Hanna Wróblewska described the exhibition as a symbol of Ukraine’s trust in Poland, which “has been entrusted with preserving and restoring this valuable cultural heritage”. She reaffirmed Poland’s steadfast support for Ukraine and underscored the constructive cooperation between the two Ministries of Culture.
The exhibition demonstrates the unifying power of culture, even in times of war. Poland actively assists Ukrainian museums with evacuating, safeguarding, and promoting their collections. Polish experts provide consultations, carry out restoration and conservation works, and support the transportation and protection of artworks as well.
This cultural initiative serves as an example of successful bilateral collaboration and a platform for dialogue and mutual understanding between Ukrainians and Poles. The exhibition will remain open until the end of February 2025.
Background Information:
The exhibition displays 37 unique works from the Khanenko Museum’s collection, including paintings by Rubens, Bellotto, Jordaens, and polonica, such as a portrait of King Stanisław August by Louise Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun. Notably, it features works thought lost for over 200 years, such as “Landscape with a Waterfall” by Jean-Baptiste Pillement and “Bacchus and Ariadne” by Louis de Boullogne.
Two notable artifacts from the Khanenko Museum — a cassone (decorative chest) and a porte-chaise (portable sedan chair) — were carefully studied and restored free of charge by Polish specialists.
The Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko National Museum of Arts safeguards a remarkable collection of European, Asian, and ancient art in Ukraine. Despite the ongoing war, the museum continues its vital work, innovating new methods to protect its heritage. Poland’s generous support in this endeavor is a profound act of solidarity.
