Sent to Poland as a wartime refuge, these artworks are now at the center of a dispute: Polish descendants want them to stay
Because of the full-scale war, Ukraine moved its most valuable paintings from Lviv museums to Poland for safekeeping. An exhibition of these works—all from the Lviv Historical Museum—is currently on display at the Museum of Central Pomerania in Słupsk. Titled "Borderlands of Europe – From the Treasury of the Lviv Historical Museum," the temporary showcase opened on June 10, 2026 and will run until October 18, 2026. Such cultural property disputes are becoming more common as nations seek to protect their heritage during armed conflicts.
Heirs of Polish Prince Andrzej Lubomirski are now taking legal action to prevent the return of two contested paintings to Ukraine. The works in question are the 16th-century "Portrait of Roxelana" and "Portrait of a Youth" by Alojzy Reichan. Their lawyer, Maciej Obrębski, has filed a motion with the Słupsk District Court asking for an injunction against transferring the paintings until the case is resolved.
The court is already reviewing the matter, with Ukraine's Ministry of Justice representing the country's interests. A similar situation arose in 2024 during an exhibition at the Royal Castle in Warsaw: Ukraine removed the disputed items early, and the court refused to impose interim measures. Roman Chmelik, director of the Lviv Historical Museum, noted that the situation is complex and requires attention from international institutions.
Broader Implications for Cultural Heritage
This dispute over returning cultural artifacts that were entrusted for safekeeping during wartime underscores the critical need to protect cultural heritage in conflict zones. The proceedings in the Polish court could have far-reaching consequences for bilateral relations between Ukraine and Poland, as well as for international norms governing the restitution of cultural property removed from conflict areas. Monitoring the outcome of this case will be crucial for both nations and for the global community concerned with cultural heritage preservation.
This ongoing legal battle highlights a growing trend in cultural heritage protection, as seen in a recent case involving a historic building in Kyiv. The Kyiv Prosecutor’s Office is advocating for a heritage protection agreement, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding cultural assets amidst ongoing conflicts. Such initiatives are crucial for ensuring that invaluable historical artifacts are preserved for future generations.