The Museum of Kyiv History presents the historical and artistic exhibition project “COSSACK GIFTS”, which aims to reveal the mentality of the Ukrainian Cossack warrior, his generous and chivalrous spirit, his belief in repaying good with good, love for God, hope for the eternal salvation of the Cossack soul in otherworldly realms, and to demonstrate the development of philanthropic and charitable traditions among the true Ukrainian elite.

The Zaporozhian Cossacks, senior officers, and hetmans generously contributed to the construction of Orthodox churches and monasteries, Cossack hospitals, monastic infirmaries, printing houses at monasteries, and workshops for book production. Alongside their participation in wars defending Ukrainian lands from invaders, the Cossacks and their senior officers found time and resources to promote science and the arts. The Cossack elite paid particular attention to the development of education and book publishing in the Hetmanate.

The Cossack senior officers and hetmans possessed extraordinary treasures, built magnificent churches and luxurious palaces, fully aware that they would ‘journey into eternity’ without a single piece of gold. Thanks to their generous donations, these remarkable figures will never vanish from the pages of Ukrainian history. The Museum of Kyiv History seeks to demonstrate how deep our traditions of patronage and philanthropy run—and to remind us that true societal elites reveal themselves through generosity, even in difficult times, caring for the future of their native land,” emphasizes Diana Popova, Director General of the Museum of Kyiv History.

Among the exhibition’s items are artworks, books, precious liturgical objects, tableware, maps, and more. The display will feature unique pieces from the Museum of Kyiv History’s collection, as well as from project partners—the Sheremetev Museum, the National Art Museum of Ukraine, and the Hetmanate Museum.

Exhibition Curator: Art historian, laureate of the Taras Shevchenko National Prize of Ukraine, Volodymyr Nedyak
Exhibition Design: Kateryna Kostenko