27 original masterpieces of Ukrainian goldsmithing invite visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the late 17th and 18th centuries, when the Cossack state – the Zaporozhian Host (the Hetmanate) – emerged in Left-Bank Ukraine. These objects are donations and gifts made to Orthodox churches by representatives of various social strata – from hetmans to ordinary Cossacks. In essence, they are memorial objects capable of telling the stories of their donors, whose names have sometimes survived only in dedicatory inscriptions. Visitors will encounter specific historical figures, including Hetman Ivan Mazepa, members of the general officer staff (starshyna), colonels and sotnyks, the kish otaman Pavlo Kozeletskyi, clergy, goldsmiths, the Cossack Pavlo Shkurupii of the Reshetylivka sotnia, and townspeople of Kyiv. This provides deeper insight into the social and administrative structure of Cossack Ukraine and, consequently, into the complex turns of its history.

Each object presented in the exhibition is a unique work of art that offers deeper insight into the phenomenon of the Ukrainian Baroque. Indeed, the period of the Cossack state was marked by the predominance of this style. It was then that dozens of churches were erected, many of which still adorn Ukrainian cities today. Books embellished with remarkable engravings were printed, while painters introduced new approaches to the depiction of sacred images and Gospel scenes—approaches that were also adopted by goldsmiths. Thanks to patrons ranging from high-ranking nobles to ordinary Cossacks and townspeople, Ukrainian cities and villages flourished, and works were created that continue to inspire admiration to this day.

The exhibition is displayed at the Treasury of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine, located in a Baroque building erected in 1744–1746 by the Ukrainian architect Stepan Kovnir.

The exhibition is curated by Iurii Polidovych, Head of the Research Department of the Treasury of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine.

Admission to the exhibition is included in the museum ticket – 200 UAH; for school pupils, students, and pensioners – 100 UAH.

For inquiries: +38 (044) 280-13-96 or +38 (093) 619 70 29 (Viber, Telegram).

Address of the Treasury of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine: 21 Ivan Mazepa Street, Building 12, Kyiv (territory of the National Preserve «Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra»).