“KYIV FOREVER” — a unique exhibition project, simultaneously held at the Museum and Exhibition Center of the Museum of Kyiv History and in Városliget Park in Budapest.
Recently, in Budapest, the exhibition project dedicated to Kyiv City Day was presented. Residents of Budapest and Ukrainian refugees who found shelter there together celebrated the capital of Ukraine.
On the initiative and with the support of the Kyiv City State Administration, masterpieces from the collection of the Museum of Kyiv History — paintings created by classic Ukrainian artists — will now be seen by the people of Hungary. According to representatives of the Budapest Municipality, this exhibition is another opportunity to draw the attention of the Hungarian public to the Ukrainian capital.
Hanna Starostenko, Deputy Head of the Kyiv City State Administration, notes: “The aggressor country continues to attack not only Ukrainian cities but also Ukrainian culture. While our defenders hold the military front, we must resist on the informational and cultural fronts. Therefore, I am immensely grateful to the authorities of Budapest for their support and for the opportunity to show Kyiv through the eyes of famous Ukrainian artists. This is a chance to mark the space of a European capital with the Ukrainian narrative.”
More than 200 Ukrainian children attended the opening, who together created a painting for the residents of Budapest as a sign of gratitude. Mayor Gergely Karácsony emphasized: “It is in the interest of Budapest and Hungary to uphold and adhere to our principles and values, demonstrating humanity and solidarity.”
In turn, István Balog, Chargé d’Affaires of Ukraine in Hungary, once again reminded: “Ukraine wants peace. But the Ukrainian people want not an illusion of peace, not a frozen conflict, but real, lasting, just peace and a guarantee that such terrible crimes will not be repeated.”
“The art of painting inspires; in it, we find solace in difficult times. With this exhibition project, we aim to inspire, to give genuine and sincere emotions, and once again express admiration for the beauty of the Ukrainian capital. We are immensely grateful to the Ukrainian warriors for their protection and to international partners for their support, especially on the cultural front,” comments Diana Popova, General Director of the Museum of Kyiv History, on the international exhibition project.