London Exhibition Reclaims Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Treasures as Ukrainian Heritage

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London has opened “Sacred Treasures from Kyiv,” presenting seven sacred works from the collection of the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” in the UK for the first time. The display also brings the Lavra works together with Holy Gates already held by the V&A on a long-term loan, accompanied by updated historical and artistic interpretation. The display opened in mid-September at V&A South Kensington and will run until Sept. 17, 2027. The seven works represent Ukrainian Baroque sacred art and include pieces created by Kyiv goldsmiths in the 17th and 18th centuries. They include an icon, a silver-bound altar Gospel, a diskos, a silver-gilt chalice depicting the Crucifixion, a cross, and other liturgical objects.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Image via Sandra Ebert The display builds on a multi-year partnership between the V&A and the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra,” including research into the provenance and history of two pairs of rare silver-gilt Holy Gates from the Lavra. During the Soviet period, the Gates were removed from the monastery and later passed through several private collections abroad. For decades, their origins and history were described through a Russian imperial framework. Research by the V&A in collaboration with Ukrainian specialists has helped establish a more accurate historical context and connection to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Other Topics of Interest Ukraine’s Science Under Fire: Russia Is Targeting Knowledge, People and the Future Russian strikes are killing scientists, destroying laboratories and equipment, and putting Ukraine’s scientific and technological capacity at risk. The Holy Gates are now held by the V&A on a long-term loan from the Gilbert Trust for the Arts. Some of the seven works lent by the Lavra were made by the same craftsmen who worked on the Gates. Displaying the objects together helps clarify their connections within a shared Ukrainian artistic tradition. Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture Tetyana Berezhna said the presentation marks a significant change in how Ukrainian heritage is represented at one of Britain’s major museums. “For the first time, these seven important objects, as well as our Lavra Gates, are presented at the Victoria and Albert Museum, one of the most visited and largest museums in the United Kingdom, as Ukrainian artifacts. That is, as objects representing the history of Ukraine.” According to Berezhna, the objects had long been held by the museum, but their information had previously presented them as belonging to or being connected with Russia and Russian history. She said: “We are very grateful to the museum team and to the team of Ukrainian historians and researchers who were able to show the museum the true history, open the genuine archives, and connect these artefacts – the cross, the icon, and the Gospel – with Ukraine, with the Ukrainian Lavra, and with our history. This is a process of decolonisation that we, as a country that for a long time was under the occupation of different empires, have to go through.” Berezhnа noted that the Lavra objects will remain at the V&A until September 2027. Image via Sandra Ebert “We very much hope that one day these treasures will return to Ukraine, but for now, being in one of the world’s largest museums, they fulfil a dual purpose. First, these treasures, as the name of the display itself suggests, tell the world about Ukraine. And secondly, they are genuinely safe here at the moment,” she added. V&A Director Tristram Hunt highlighted the artistic significance of the works and the importance of further international cooperation. “These national treasures showcase the exceptional skill of Ukrainian silversmiths and illuminate the rich artistic heritage preserved by the Lavra. We hope that the display and conference this September will inspire greater appreciation of Ukraine’s unique heritage and foster collaboration across the cultural sector to uncover and share the country’s remarkable story.” Founded in the 11th century, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra has been an important centre of spiritual life, learning, art, and patronage for nearly a millennium. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The V&A display opened in a year marking the 975th anniversary of the Lavra and the centenary of the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.” The project is supported by the British Council, Gilbert Trust for the Arts, the Ukrainian Institute, Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Embassy in the United Kingdom. It is also part of the wider cultural cooperation under the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.