Poltava Regional Museum
Poltavska oblast
The Poltava Regional Museum, also known as the Poltava Art Museum, is a prominent public art gallery located in Poltava, Ukraine. It boasts a significant collection of native and foreign artworks alongside a rich ethnographic collection. The museum's origins trace back to 1917 when the renowned painter Nikolai Yaroshenko donated his personal collection, including his own paintings and works by notable members of the Itinerant Art Exhibitions such as Ivan Shishkin and Ilya Repin. Opened to the public in 1919, the museum was initially an art gallery before becoming an independent regional art museum in 1939. Although the museum suffered devastating losses during World War II, including the destruction and loss of many artworks, it resumed operations in 1944 and gradually rebuilt its collection. Today, it houses over 9,000 pieces, including Western European art by masters like Lucas Cranach the Younger and Jean-Baptiste Greuze, as well as Ukrainian and Russian artists' works and historical church artifacts. The museum also hosts large-scale exhibitions, offering visitors a deep insight into the region's artistic treasures and cultural history.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the museum's schedule for special exhibitions and consider purchasing tickets in advance during peak seasons. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the museum hosts more events. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours can enhance the experience by providing detailed historical context.
Interesting facts
- •The museum's original collection was largely destroyed during the Nazi occupation in World War II, with only evacuated treasures surviving.
- •Nikolai Yaroshenko, a prominent painter and member of the Itinerant Art Exhibitions, was the museum's key founder through his donated collection.
- •The museum building was designed by the famous architect Aleshin in 1912 and originally belonged to landowner Bolyubash.
- •The collection includes works by well-known European artists such as Lucas Cranach the Younger and Jean-Baptiste Greuze.
- •The museum hosts periodic large-scale exhibitions to showcase its extensive art collection to the public.
History
The museum was founded in 1917 with the donation of Nikolai Yaroshenko's art collection, officially opening in 1919 as an art gallery.
It became an independent regional art museum by a 1939 decree.
During World War II, the museum's collection suffered severe losses due to Nazi occupation and destruction, with only evacuated treasures surviving.
It reopened in 1944 and returned to its original building in 1951.
Post-war efforts expanded the collection, which now includes thousands of artworks and artifacts.
Place Guide
Western European Art Suite
This suite features paintings, sculptures, and porcelain from renowned European artists, including Lucas Cranach the Younger, Van Ravesteyn, Clara Peeters, and others, offering a comprehensive view of Western European art history.
Ukrainian and Russian Art Collection
This area displays significant works by Ukrainian and Russian artists, along with church utensils from the 17th and 18th centuries, sculptures, and period furniture, reflecting the region's cultural heritage.
Nikolai Yaroshenko RoomsLate 19th to early 20th century
Dedicated to the museum’s founder, these rooms showcase Yaroshenko's self-portraits, Caucasian landscapes, portraits of contemporaries, and preparatory studies for his famous paintings.
Contact
Phone: 066 573 3182