Ukrainian Motherland Monument: why it is a symbol of the whole of Ukraine and what attracts tourists

Ukrainian Motherland Monument in Kyiv is a symbol of the capital and the whole of Ukraine. The sculpture is part of a memorial complex dedicated to Ukraine's participation in the Second World War. Learn more about its history, attractions and incredible locations for tourists

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Ukrainian Motherland Monument in Kyiv is not just an impressive building, but also a symbol of the resilience and indomitability of the Ukrainian people. Located on the high right bank of the Dnipro River, it proudly rises above the city, its majestic figure visible from afar. The sculpture is part of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War, where it serves as a reminder of the heroism and sacrifices of Ukrainians in the struggle for freedom. Its image is an embodiment of the strength of spirit and patriotism that have become especially relevant in times of modern challenges. We have collected all the information about the monument - from the moment of its creation to the present day - in this article.

From the history of the majestic monument

The history of the Ukrainian Motherland Monument in Kyiv dates back to the 1970s, when the idea of creating a large-scale memorial complex dedicated to the victory in World War II arose. The first project, designed by sculptor Yevhen Vuchetych, included a golden statue that would sparkle in the sun. After Vuchetych's death in 1974, the project was taken over by Ukrainian sculptor Vasyl Borodai, who made significant changes to the concept. He abandoned the golden finish and changed the image of the statue, making it more restrained and majestic.

The construction of the monument lasted from 1979 to 1981. The sculpture, made of stainless steel, consists of several interconnected parts. It is 102 metres high and 158 metres with the pedestal. In its right hand, the statue holds a 16-metre-long sword weighing 9 tonnes, and in its left hand, a shield measuring 13 by 8 metres.

The monument was unveiled on 9 May 1981. Since then, the Ukrainian Motherland Monument has become one of Kyiv's most famous landmarks, symbolising the heroism and resilience of the Ukrainian people. However, since the outbreak of the russian-Ukrainian war in 2014, and especially after russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, attitudes towards the monument have changed. The USSR coat of arms on the shield began to be perceived as a symbol of the soviet past, which is associated with russian imperialism. In 2023, after lengthy discussions, it was decided to replace the ussr coat of arms with the Ukrainian trident.

This replacement was an important step in the process of decommunisation and decolonisation of the Ukrainian space. The renewed Ukrainian Motherland Monument now symbolises not only the heroism of the past, but also Ukraine's current struggle for independence and identity.

TOP 5 interesting facts about the Ukrainian Motherland Monument

1. The total height of the monument, including the pedestal, is 102 metres. This makes it one of the tallest statues in the world.

2. The entire structure is all-welded.

3. There is a special pendulum inside the sword that dampens vibrations from the wind. The monument can withstand even a 9-point earthquake.

4. The prototype of the Ukrainian Motherland Monument was created in 1972 by the artist Nina Danyleiko.

5. Every year, the monument undergoes a thorough strength test. According to experts, the statue can stand for more than 150 years.

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What locations can be visited near the monumental sculpture?

The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War is located next to the Ukrainian Motherland Monument in Kyiv. This is a museum dedicated to the history of the Second World War on the territory of Ukraine. The museum has a large collection of war-related exhibits, including weapons, equipment, uniforms, and personal belongings of soldiers and civilians.

The Park of Eternal Glory is also located near the monument. It is a park dedicated to the memory of those who died in World War II. There are various memorials and monuments in the park, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War

The history of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War dates back to 1974, when the first exhibition dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's liberation from the Nazis was opened in Kyiv's Klovsky Palace. The idea of creating a large-scale memorial complex had emerged even earlier, but the project took many years to complete.

The memorial complex, of which the museum is a part, was inaugurated on 9 May 1981. It is located on the picturesque slopes of the right bank of the Dnipro River and covers an area of about 10 hectares. The complex consists of several parts: Ukrainian Motherland Monument, the Main Square with the Eternal Flame, an exhibition of military equipment and weapons, and the museum itself.

The museum's exposition tells about the events of the Second World War on the territory of Ukraine, the heroism of the Ukrainian people and their contribution to the victory over Nazism. The museum has thousands of exhibits: documents, photographs, personal belongings of war participants, weapons and equipment.

With the outbreak of the russian-Ukrainian war, and especially after russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, the museum began to actively document and cover the events of the current war. The name of the museum has also changed. Until 16 July 2015, it was called the National Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 Memorial Complex. In 2015, the museum was renamed the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War.

Today, the museum is not only a place of historical memory preservation, but also an important centre of patriotic education. It is actively working to highlight the true history of Ukraine, telling the story of modern heroes who are defending our country from russian aggression.

Park of Eternal Glory

The history of the Park of Eternal Glory in Kyiv dates back to 1894, when the commandant of the Kyiv Fortress, Lieutenant General Oleksiy Anosov, decided to arrange a vacant lot near the Spassky Bastion. At first, it was a small garden called Anosovskyi or Komendantskyi. Later, in 1919, part of the park was used for burials, and after the Second World War, the park underwent significant changes.

In 1957, to mark the 40th anniversary of the october revolution, the Memorial of Eternal Glory was unveiled on the site of the garden. In the centre of the memorial is the Obelisk of Glory, at the foot of which the Eternal Flame burns on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The park also contains the graves of soldiers who died during the Second World War.

The Park of Eternal Glory has become a place of commemoration of the fallen heroes and a symbol of their feat. The park offers a magnificent view of the Dnipro River and the left bank of Kyiv. Today, it is not only a memorial complex but also a popular place for walking and recreation.

Exhibition of military equipment

The first exhibits appeared in the park in the 1950s, when the memorial was created. These were mainly samples of soviet equipment that took part in the liberation of Kyiv and Ukraine. Over the years, the collection has been expanded, and now it includes various types of weapons and equipment: tanks, guns, aircraft, armoured vehicles.

The exposition not only reflects the technical progress of the military industry, but also serves as a reminder of the heroism and sacrifices of soldiers. Each exhibit has its own story related to the events of the war. The exhibition is an important component of the memorial complex, which contributes to the preservation of historical memory and patriotic education.

With the outbreak of the russian-Ukrainian war, the exhibition has acquired new meanings. Now it not only tells about the past war, but also reminds us of the current struggle of the Ukrainian people for their independence.

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