Main image: "The Cabinet of an Art Lover", By Frans Francken II (Antwerp, 1581–1642, Antwerp) and workshop. Circa 1625. Oil on canvas
On December 5, Ukraine’s Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications, Mykola Tochitsky, and the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of Poland, Hanna Wrublewska, opened the exhibition "Cabinet of European Art: Masterpieces from the Bogdan and Varvara Khanenko National Museum of Arts in Kyiv" in Warsaw. The exhibition is hosted in the historic interiors of the Royal Castle. In his opening speech, Mykola Tochitsky thanked Poland for its support of Ukrainian art, emphasizing the symbolism of the exhibition being held in the Royal Palace, which was destroyed during World War II but restored through the solidarity of Polish citizens. According to the Minister, this same solidarity between our two countries will allow us to counter Russian aggression and rebuild Ukraine after our shared victory.
Minister Hanna Wrublewska highlighted that the exhibition symbolizes Ukraine’s trust in Poland, entrusting such valuable cultural heritage for safekeeping and restoration. She emphasized Poland’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and noted the constructive cooperation between the two culture ministries.
The exhibition demonstrates how culture can unite nations, even during wartime. Poland has been actively supporting Ukrainian museums, particularly in the evacuation, preservation, and popularization of collections. Polish museum experts consistently provide consultancy and conduct restoration and conservation work to preserve artworks, as well as managing their transportation.
This cultural project exemplifies positive bilateral cooperation, providing a platform for dialogue and understanding between Ukrainians and Poles. The exhibition will run until the end of February 2025.
For reference: The exhibition includes 37 unique works from the Khanenko Museum’s collection. Among the exhibits are paintings by Rubens, Bellotto, Jordans, and Polonica, such as the portrait of King Stanislaus Augustus by Louise-Elisabeth Vigée-LeBrun. Special attention is given to works that were considered lost for over 200 years, such as "Landscape with Waterfall" by Jean-Baptiste Pillement and "Bacchus and Ariadne" by Louis de Boullogne. Two works from the Khanenko Museum’s collection on display—a cassone (chest) and a portshez (portable carriage)—have been thoroughly researched and restored free of charge by the Polish side.
The Bogdan and Varvara Khanenko National Museum of Arts houses a unique collection of European, Asian, and Ancient World art in Ukraine. Despite the challenges, the museum continues its work, although the war forces it to seek new ways of preserving its heritage, and Poland’s assistance in this is an important gesture of solidarity.
