Exhibition: 'Path of Heroes: In Memory of Symon Petliura'
On May 26, 2026, the National Museum of History of Ukraine will launch an exhibition titled 'Path of Heroes: In Memory of Symon Petliura,' marking a century since the death of the Ukrainian statesman and military leader. Petliura served as the head of the Directorate of the Ukrainian People’s Republic (UNR) and as the Supreme Commander of the UNR Army. The display draws from artifacts held by the Military History Museum and the archive of the Ukrainian Free Academy of Sciences (UVAN) in Canada, offering a rare glimpse into Ukraine’s early 20th-century struggle for independence.
The collection was transferred to the National Museum of History of Ukraine in accordance with the 'Testament' of the founders of the Military Museum. Featuring over 200 artifacts, the exhibition traces the course of Ukraine’s liberation efforts during the first quarter of the 20th century. Among the items on display are:
- Symon Petliura’s personal 'Corona' typewriter;
- an officer’s bayonet belonging to General Volodymyr Salsky of the UNR Army;
- uniform fragments from Yevhen Konovalets and Andriy Melnyk;
- the standard of the 2nd Uman Regiment of Zaporozhian Cavalry, inscribed with the motto 'To Death for Ukraine';
- a collection of works by Mykola Bytynsky, a Ukrainian heraldist, graphic artist, painter, and poet.
Most of these items are being shown in independent Ukraine for the first time, underscoring the exhibition’s historical significance. Opening on May 26, 2026, the display will be a permanent fixture at the National Museum of History of Ukraine, located at 2 Volodymyrska Street. Polish historian Łukasz Adamski has noted that Kyiv currently lacks monuments to either Symon Petliura or Ivan Mazepa, highlighting the importance of this cultural reckoning.
'In line with the 'Testament' of the founders of the Military Museum, the collection has been entrusted to the National Museum of History of Ukraine. The return of this heritage is an event of historical scale—it is not just about museum objects, but about restoring the integrity of Ukrainian memory.' – Museum press office
The Exhibition’s Role in Ukraine’s Cultural Landscape
The 'Path of Heroes: In Memory of Symon Petliura' exhibition promises to be a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s cultural life, offering the public a deeper understanding of the liberation struggles and the legacy of key figures who shaped the nation’s identity.
Beyond honoring Petliura’s historical role, the exhibition underscores the broader importance of preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage. The return of artifacts that were previously held abroad symbolizes a restoration of national memory and identity—a particularly resonant theme in today’s context. By drawing public attention to the history of Ukraine’s fight for freedom, the exhibition aims to raise awareness of how figures like Petliura contributed to the formation of an independent Ukraine.
In addition to the upcoming exhibition, the Central Bank of Ukraine has also honored Symon Petliura's legacy by issuing a commemorative coin to mark the centenary of his passing. This initiative not only highlights Petliura's significant role in Ukrainian history but also serves as a tangible reminder of the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate the nation's heritage. For more details on this coin release, you can read about it here.