From glazed eggs of the Kyivan Rus era to Pysanky on ostrich eggs: an exhibition dedicated to the Easter holidays will open in Kyiv

the Museum of Kyiv History presents the exhibition project “ΑΝΑΣΤΆΣΗΣ. The Light of the Resurrection”, showcasing the origins and development of the most important Christian holiday. The central symbols of the Easter exhibition will be the Tree of Life and the Pysanka—two powerful images illustrating the continuity of generations and the eternity of being. Both symbols hold a deeply revered place in Ukrainian ritual culture and folk art.

“The Resurrection of Christ and the spring celebrations that preceded Easter in pre-Christian times have always been special for Ukrainians. Feeling a strong connection with nature, people celebrated the final victory of spring, warmth, and the sun. It is a time of family unity and joyful gatherings with loved ones. Even war has not been able to destroy our core values, our traditions, and our holidays. Especially today, we await the triumph of light over darkness, of life over death! We await Victory, choosing life, faith, and the struggle for our existence. The central symbol of the Tree of Life in the exhibition embodies the indomitable strength of the Ukrainian spirit passed down to us by our ancestors,” shares Diana Popova, General Director of the Museum of Kyiv History.

The exhibition will encompass various historical periods and facets of Easter celebrations—both spiritual and secular. The diversity of exhibits will allow visitors to appreciate both the uniqueness of Ukrainian tradition and the culture of celebrating Easter in other countries.

Ceramic glazed eggs from the Kyivan Rus period, 18th-century Royal Doors, a unique recipe for paska from 1863, traditional Ukrainian festive attire, Easter postcards, a collection of Pysanky featuring recreated ornaments from all regions of Ukraine, and even a 19th-century egg of African Christians. The exhibition will also present European Easter décor and diaspora Pysanky.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to share the festive spirit with their loved ones by purchasing and signing Easter postcards created in the same design as those displayed in the exhibition.

The exhibition “ΑΝΑΣΤΆΣΗΣ. The Light of the Resurrection” is created in partnership with collector Maryna Lukianova, Honored Master of Folk Art Oksana Bilous, Volodymyr Nediak, General Director of the private historical and ethnographic museum “Cossack Lands of Ukraine”, floral studio Lora Shen, and Dobropark.

Exhibition Designer: Kateryna Kostenko