Pyrohiv - Pirogovo

Historic Ukrainian villages near Kyiv

In the south-west of Kyiv an area of 150 ha takes you back into the time of Ukrainian villages from XVII to XX century. During a three or four hour walk you will not only feel the spirit of Ukrainian culture from different generations, but also get to know all parts of the country.  

The Museum of Folk Architecture, Arts and Modes of life Pyrohiv was founded in the late 1960s, but the first guests came in 1976. It is a composition of different ethnographic regions of Ukraine in an open air setting that includes over 200 buildings in architectural styles of the different periods. The overwhelming majority of which are accurate copies of buildings of that time. Here you can see even originals that were built by local residents. One of the most interesting exhibits – a house built in 1587; it is the oldest building within the museums territory and reproduces the atmosphere of Ukraine villages of the XVI century. You can not only get know the architectural styles of those times, but also visit a wooden church. The oldest of them dates back to 1742 and is called Naddnipryanska. Those who wish can even have a wedding in one of them. The museum is divided into two parts; the first represents life and architecture of a pre-revolutionary Ukrainian village, the second – a post-revolutionary. During your walk the first half of the exhibition covers the six regions of Ukraine: Carpathians, Naddnipryanshchyna (Dnipro Valley), Sloboda Ukraine, Polesia, South Ukraine and Podolia. In addition to buildings Pirogovo has over 40 000 household utensils, clothing, embroidery and paintings. While walking among the exhibits you will not only learn about the features of different generations, but also listen to folk music, appreciate the true beauty of Ukraine nature and feel the unique atmosphere of Slavic culture. Here is a brief list of events that are held at the museum with the participation of folk groups and folk artists of Ukraine (example from 2010):
February 14 - Maslenitsa
March 10 - Honoring the memory of Taras Shevchenko
April 5 - Vesnyanki
May 8-9 - Spring Fair
May 16 - Day of Children's Creativity
May 23 - Trinity
5-6 June - Day of embroiderers and weavers
June 12-13 - Day of the engraver, and master netting
June 20 - Math
July 6 - Ivan Kupala
July 17 -Reaping
July 31 - August 1 – Day of potter and blacksmith
August 19- Day beekeeper
September 4-5 - Autumn Fair
September 12 - Autumn Wedding
October 14 - Pokrova

When visiting the museum and dipping into the atmosphere of the XVII – XX century, you can also try traditional Ukrainian dishes. All restaurants and cafes have the appropriate interior and menu. One of these is Café Kulyshna, in a style and design which corresponds to taverns of the XIX century and where you can try ethnic dishes from various regions of Ukraine.

The museum is becoming more popular not only among citizens of Ukraine, but also among other guests. Organized tours are available in Ukrainian, Russian, German and English and last from one to three hours. Prices of a tour depend on the season, an average of 40 UAN for one hour, 80 UAN for two hours, 120 UAN for three hours. For foreigners language tours prices are higher – 60 UAN, 120 UAN, 160 UAN. Tickets to the museum cost 15 UAN. But for students and groups there are discounts.

Tel:                     +38 (044) 526-57-65
Open:                       daily
Hours:                   from 10:00 to 17:00
Location:                  Pyrohiv village, Kyiv

Getting to the museum:
From metro station “Lybidska” take tram number 11;
From Besarabsky Market take bus number 156;
From metro station “Druzhby Narodiv” take bus number 172;
From metro station “Akademmistechko” take bus number 576;
From metro station  “Lukianivska” take bus number 496.