Children’s Petrykivka Art Transforms Shattered Windows of Kyiv’s Hotel Ukraine

Art Installations at Hotel Ukraine

According to Главком: Plywood panels now cover the blasted-out windows of the Hotel Ukraine in Kyiv, damaged during a massive Russian missile strike on May 24, 2026. Instead of leaving them bare, the hotel turned the panels into vibrant canvases featuring traditional Petrykivka folk paintings created by local children. The attack, which occurred overnight on May 24, killed two people and injured at least sixty, with the shockwave severely damaging the hotel’s facade, windows, and some interior spaces.

Today, these plywood shields serve as outdoor art installations, brightening the hotel’s exterior. Children painted two-by-three-meter murals using the distinctive Petrykivka floral style. One young artist, a girl named Lyubava, shared her experience:

“I’ve been drawing since early childhood. I started painting flowers later, when I joined the ‘Dyvotsvit’ club. That’s when I really fell in love with painting flowers.” – Lyubava

She added that each artwork takes about a week to complete, and her sister plans to join the window-painting effort.

Response to the Attack

Olena Zahura, a hotel representative, explained the thinking behind the project:

“Manufacturing new window frames takes time. So while we wait for materials and for the installers to start dismantling and fitting them, we decided to create something engaging and uplifting for Kyiv residents-something that shows beauty and reminds everyone that Ukrainians are unbreakable.” – Olena Zahura

Although the children’s works will eventually be preserved and displayed inside the hotel, new windows are expected to be installed soon.

• One hotel room has been turned into a studio for the young painters.
• Hotel Ukraine is restoring its architectural integrity.
• This site showcases creativity and the unyielding spirit of the Ukrainian people.

This initiative highlights how, even amid the hardships of war, communities can find ways to boost morale and express creativity. By using traditional Petrykivka art, the project not only preserves cultural heritage but also unites people around a shared goal of recovery and promoting a positive national image. Such efforts can inspire other communities facing similar challenges to pursue restoration through creative means.

As communities come together to rebuild and support one another, similar initiatives are taking place across the country. For instance, a historic home in the Cherkasy region was revitalized for elderly parents, showcasing the resilience and creativity of Ukrainians in the face of adversity. Such efforts highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage while fostering a sense of hope and unity in challenging times.