This year, the First Private Museum of Contemporary Ukrainian Art celebrates its twentieth anniversary. It may seem like a modest milestone, and the museum’s age might appear young, but much has been accomplished, and the core priorities that shape the museum’s identity are becoming ever more distinct with each passing year.
Two decades ago, the First Private Museum became a true pioneer of the museum movement. By opening the doors of a private collection to the public—to art lovers and creators alike—it marked a breakthrough. A private collection was made accessible for viewing, and the museum introduced a wide range of its own programs!
The collection, which traces its origins to the second half of the 20th century, defined the museum’s concept. From the very beginning, in its official museum status, the exhibition appeared substantial and attracted the attention of experts. Gradually, growing to over 6,000 items, the collection became a vital resource for studying and researching a specific historical period, the history of our artistic landscape, and its development in the present day.
Through its numerous projects, the museum has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to closely following the work of contemporary artists, the creativity of artistic dynasties, and the preservation of the legacy of those who have left a significant mark on the country’s cultural life. The diverse forms of museum work expand the possibilities of the private collection and serve as a powerful incentive for artists to engage in collaboration and join our initiatives.
The museum’s activities did not pause for a single day, even with the onset of war in our homeland. The entire country mobilized. In 2022, the museum’s founder, Serhiy Viktorovych Tsyupko, established a namesake Charitable Foundation. Soon after, as a testament to its impact, a new exhibition space was created—the “Museum Residence.” This long-awaited, inspiring event was warmly received by both museum professionals and those who had missed artistic engagement and our exhibitions. The Foundation’s comprehensive program gave new momentum to the museum’s life.
Over time, the forms of exhibition work diversified, including the introduction of traveling exhibitions. The museum became a welcome guest in many regional centers and exhibition halls. Through these projects, it became possible to introduce museum collections and artworks to those unable to visit the capital. The desire for collaboration expanded our network of contacts.
This summer, the museum’s anniversary is accompanied by two beautiful exhibitions. Recently, with the participation of the Serhiy Tsyupko Charitable Foundation, the First Private Museum opened the exhibition Rest for the Soul at the Kachanivka National Historical and Cultural Reserve. Thirty works by Ukraine’s finest contemporary artists, part of the private collection, are showcased. The exhibition features Kyiv artists Lyuba Rapoport and Zoya Orlova, Odesa’s Orest Sleshynsky, Kharkiv’s Oleksandr Khmelnytsky, Transcarpathian artists Yuriy Herts and Vyacheslav Prykhodko, Lviv’s Volodymyr Patyk, and Crimean artists Viktor Tolochko, Valentyn Bernadsky, and many others.
The summer season, a beautiful time gifted by nature, is a period for gathering strength and renewal. Today, amid the war, the soul craves emotional relief, spiritual support, and aesthetic inspiration. This is why we curated the exhibition Rest for the Soul, tailored to the moment. It is our second exhibition at the significant site of Chernihiv’s Kachanivka National Reserve, a place that preserves the memory of visits by many luminaries of Ukrainian culture.
At the same time, the halls of the “Museum Residence” in Kyiv invite visitors to an exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of the People’s Artist of Ukraine, Petro Stolyarenko. Fifty works from the museum’s collection showcase the legacy of one of Crimea’s finest painters. The exhibition captivates, transporting viewers into a wonderful atmosphere of creative vision, passion, and professional mastery.
Museum professionals know that every project involves a wide range of tasks that must be addressed to bring ideas to life. Since its creation, the Serhiy Tsyupko Charitable Foundation has provided the necessary sense of confidence in museum planning. The traditional efforts of expanding the collection, restoring and framing artworks, transportation, and countless related challenges are resolved by the Foundation, stabilizing museum operations and broadening opportunities for new initiatives.
The Charitable Foundation’s involvement extends beyond the museum’s activities. Its scope of work is extensive, including well-known humanitarian aid to those affected by the war and special attention to children. To encourage their creativity, the Foundation, in collaboration with the museum, organized a nationwide children’s drawing competition, bringing joy to many young participants.
Twenty years is a milestone of maturity for the museum. We pause to reflect, celebrate, and continue moving forward into the next decade with our dreams and ambitious plans. When a vision takes on a life of its own, the journey becomes meaningful, and time fills with joy. May our plans and dreams come to fruition! Peace to us all!
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