The Museum of Kyiv History presents the exhibition project “Amber Heart of the Ukrainian Land”, which offers visitors an artistic perspective on Ukraine’s unique natural treasures, highlights the symbolic power of Ukrainians’ connection to their native land, and delivers vivid aesthetic experiences.

The most valuable showpiece of the exhibition is the world’s only natural succinite amber nugget shaped like an anatomical heart. This mineral weighs 1,362 grams. Experts estimate its age at approximately 50 million years. Symbolically, the amber heart was “born” twice from Ukrainian soil: first in May 2010, when it was discovered at the Volodymyrets Skhidnyi deposit (Rivne region), and again in April 2022, when it was unearthed from its underground hiding place following the liberation of Bucha.

This relic, extraordinary in beauty and unique in origin, was miraculously saved from the Russian occupiers—during the devastating battles in the Kyiv region, a shell landed nearby, yet the precious heart remained untouched. From now on, the “Great Amber Heart of Ukraine” becomes a symbolic tribute to all the people, countries, and cities helping Ukrainians achieve victory in this hellish struggle—the war of the light against the darkness.

The exhibition also features unique artworks in various genres and techniques—the panel “Heavenly Guardian” by Emelie Miller (a replica of the fresco from the St. Michael’s Church of the Vydubychi Monastery), the screens “Family Tree” and “Paradise Birds of the Amber Land” by Andriy Kurylo, the panel “Living by the Sun” by Lina Domiani, and others. The amber’s astonishing natural beauty is enhanced in these works with other precious materials such as silver, Murano glass, and various minerals.

“In times of great trials, everyone needs symbols of faith. Amber is not just a natural treasure—it is our petrified history. The ‘Great Amber Heart of Ukraine’ gained even deeper meaning when it remained unharmed during the 2022 occupation of the Kyiv region. What is this if not rays of hope to warm the soul in moments of despair?.. For the Museum team, it is a great honor to present an artistic project that will inspire and comfort our visitors,” emphasizes Diana Popova, Director General of the Museum of Kyiv History.

Project partners – AMBRA SIMHA Group and the “Thank You with Heart” platform.
Project curator – Volodymyr Nedyak.
Artistic design of the project – Kateryna Kostenko.