Celebrating the Centenary of Boris Voznytsky
April 16 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Boris Voznytsky, a Hero of Ukraine, art historian, and director of the Lviv Art Gallery. His profound legacy lies in the preservation of the nation's cultural heritage. Over nearly five decades of work, Voznytsky succeeded in rescuing over 36,000 works of art, enriching Ukrainian museum collections with historical and artistic treasures valued in the billions of dollars at market prices. His work was a defiant act of preservation in a century marked by profound cultural loss for Ukraine.
The 20th century saw Ukraine lose an estimated 80% of its national cultural heritage, including the destruction of roughly 15,000 churches and half a million icons. Boris Voznytsky emerged as a key figure striving to halt this tragedy. He established the largest museum complex in Ukraine, comprising 17 branches and affiliates, which includes:
- The Boim Chapel
- The Potocki Palace
- The Museum of Sacral Sculpture in Lviv
- Olesko, Pidhirtsi, and Zolochiv Castles
- The Markiyan Shashkevych Estate Museum
In 1997, he secured the transfer of Pidhirtsi Castle to the Lviv Gallery, which also included the 1752 Church of St. Joseph.
A major exhibition of Pinzel's sculptures at the Louvre in Paris in November 2012 served as a powerful testament to his achievements. Voznytsky managed to assemble a collection of about 1,000 examples of Ukrainian Baroque sculpture, a crucial contribution to the study and preservation of Ukrainian art. He reflected on his mission, stating:
“Saving the national heritage for my life is a calling from above. It is my destiny.”
Honoring the Legacy of Boris Voznytsky
The year 2026 has been declared the Year of Boris Voznytsky in the Lviv region. His contribution to preserving cultural heritage has been recognized beyond the regional level. In 2020, a mural was created on the wall of the apartment building where he lived, and in 2016, the Lviv City Council decided to install a memorial plaque on the facade of the Lviv National Art Gallery named after B.H. Voznytsky. However, the gallery's current director, Taras Voznyak, has prohibited the installation of this plaque.
Boris Voznytsky left behind not only a museum complex but also unforgettable memories of his daring rescues. Recounting one episode, he said: “Out of 18 large figures, we managed to save five. We placed them in an open truck, covering them with branches. No one approached us, no one was interested in who we were or where we came from.” His devotion to culture and his homeland set an example for many. “There is nothing higher than serving the Homeland,” Voznytsky asserted, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity.
The story of Boris Voznytsky demonstrates how the determined efforts of one individual can shape the fate of an entire nation. His life's work is a powerful reminder of the necessity to preserve cultural heritage for future generations, especially in times of conflict and upheaval.
Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Boris Voznytsky is a vital step not only in honoring his memory but also in highlighting the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage in Ukraine. This milestone encourages society to reflect on the challenges facing national culture and the need for active measures to protect it. The events of Voznytsky's life show how personal dedication can have a monumental impact on a nation's destiny, preserving its cultural identity and history.