The exhibition "Maidan: Birth of a Dream. The First Battle" is the largest display of protesters' belongings and other exhibits from the Maidan, as well as works of artistic reflection on the events of the Revolution. The Maidan Museum displays several hundred art objects that tell the story of Maidan initiatives. Visitors can see elements of the legendary "Yolka", its trident top, helmets, shields, tires, paving stones, a piano, and many sculptures and paintings.
"Ten years ago, we actualized European values for the whole world. The same protest helped to articulate our national idea of Dignity and Freedom. The idea was formed by millions of Maidan participants and the blood of the Heavenly Hundred and our soldiers. This exhibition is a tribute not only to the fallen heroes but also to those who today, with arms in their hands, allow us to preserve everything for which we are still fighting today – to preserve memory. Russian missiles are also targeting our culture and identity. The exhibition is a documentary evidence of the Ukrainian courage and solidarity, and the artifacts testify to our unity, creativity, self-sacrifice, and ability to unite and win," said Ihor Poshyvaylo, Director General of the National Museum of the Revolution of Dignity.
The title of the exhibition "Maidan: Birth of a Dream. The First Battle" emphasizes that this protest was the first victorious battle of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Anton Drobovych, Head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, Ukrainian Armed Forces serviceman:
"Maidan was a great victory for the Ukrainian people, a great victory for freedom. We did not have time to think about it, we did not have time to feel it fully. As soon as the Russians realized that we had won, they did not wait long to strike again. We need time to realize this. The valuable experience of victory will help us win this war as well."
On each of the three floors of the Ukrainian House, visitors can learn more about the history of the Revolution of Dignity: the chronicle of events, the everyday life of protesters, the struggle for freedom, and the importance of Euromaidan for the development of Ukraine. The exhibition also includes video chronicles and photographs from the Revolution.
"I am proud to have been one of the few officers who convinced everyone in uniform, the Armed Forces, that we should be with the people. We realized that this was a difficult path, but we had no alternative. If there had been no Maidan, I am not sure if we would have been able to survive. We are grateful to our military, they are doing the hardest work – the victory depends on the girls and boys on the front line," says Ihor Hordiichuk, Hero of Ukraine, Deputy Head of the National Defense University of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian House building played an important role in the history of the Revolution. In the winter of 2014, it housed the Maidan Library. Almost ten years later, its original stamps have returned to the Ukrainian House, but as part of the exhibition. The Ukrainian House also became. a home for the Open University of the Maidan, the protesters' press center, and the student coordinating council, as well as some artists, who, inspired by revolutionary events, came there to work.
Olha Vieru, Director of the National Center "Ukrainian House":
"Ukraine House witnessed two historic events - the Revolution of Dignity ten years ago and the Orange Revolution nineteen years ago. At that time, this House was called the People's House, as protesters lived there and created initiatives. Thank you for being with us on such an important day, because it was the Maidan that became the first example of unification and self-organization of Ukrainian society. It is an honor for us to present this project, which was made with great love and respect for Ukrainian history."
Once inside, you will be greeted by the Yolka, partially recreated from original flags and metal structures. The installation of a Christmas Tree was used as a pretext for the security forces to disperse Maidan protesters on the night of November 30. However, the protesters remained and decorated Yolka on December 1. For the first time, visitors can see the three-ton marble sculpture "To New Ukraine" by French artist Pierre Roti, created in Kyiv in January 2014 for and thanks to Maidan.
"The exhibition conveys the emotions of the events. Although I was still very young and at school during the Maidan, I remember watching the news and listening to my parents' stories. I was on the Maidan after all the main events were over. Today I saw the paving stones in the exhibition and remembered how I walked on them when I was here. When you look at all these exhibits live, especially with video fragments, it all evokes strong and mixed emotions and feelings," shares her impressions Olha Blendiuk.
Connoisseurs of contemporary art will see a lot of artworks, including paintings by Oleksandr Roitburd and Oleksiy Beliusenko, works by Olha Rondiak, sculpture by Serhii Radko, graphics by Oleksandr Komiakhov, and the Banderyky series by Ivan Semesiuk.
"I was at the Maidan and witnessed it, and I can say for sure that the exhibition is very extensive and covers all aspects. It allows me to recreate the details and revive my memories. Everything the Maidan lived for is relevant because our struggle continues," says Olena, a visitor.
On the 10th anniversary of the Maidan, the exhibition guests could see and hear it by watching and discussing the film Euromaidan SOS by Serhii Lysenko. The film's protagonists are activists and volunteers from the Center for Civil Liberties and other organizations who united on November 30, 2013, to provide legal aid to injured protesters in Kyiv and other cities across the country.
The exhibition, open until December 3, will feature film screenings by the DOCU/CLUB network of documentary film clubs, workshops, discussions, and author tours.