Death Masks of Shevchenko, Lesya Ukrainka, and Petlyura Go on Display in Kyiv

Exhibition of Death Masks at the Museum of One Street

According to Главком: A new exhibition at the Museum of One Street, located on Andriyivskyi Descent, showcases death masks of prominent historical figures. The collection features over 350 original casts and first-generation copies. This display is part of a project that began in 2002, with the first intimate exhibition of the collection taking place the following year in 2003. Visitors can see masks of well-known personalities, including:

• Taras Shevchenko
• Lesya Ukrainka
• Symon Petlyura
• Yevhen Konovalets
• Dante
• Kemal Atatürk
• Vladimir Vysotsky
• Johann Pestalozzi
• Walter Perrot
• Dmitri Shostakovich
• Martiros Saryan

The Stories Behind the Masks

Among the items on display, the death mask of Taras Shevchenko is a notably early cast, with its mold originally owned by relatives of the artist Oleksiy Senchylo-Stefanovsky. His estate once stood on Andriyivskyi Descent, directly opposite St. Andrew's Church, lending a special significance to this exhibit. Additionally, the mask of Lesya Ukrainka was preserved in archives of the Ukrainian diaspora abroad before being donated by an anonymous benefactor to the Solomiya Krushelnytska Museum in Lviv. A copy of that mask for the Museum of One Street was created by sculptor Petro Dzindra.

The death mask of Walter Perrot was purchased on eBay, while the mask of Dmitri Shostakovich was donated by the daughter of sculptor Nikogayos Nikogosyan. The mask of Martiros Saryan was presented to the museum by his granddaughter. Each of these masks carries its own unique history and significance, underscoring the importance of the collection.

“Our collection began with a few masks we accidentally discovered in Kyiv art studios,” says Dmytro Shlonsky.

This exhibition of death masks is not only a cultural event but also an opportunity for visitors to delve into the lives of remarkable figures who left their mark on Ukrainian and global culture. It highlights the importance of preserving the memory of these individuals and their contributions to society.

The exhibition plays a vital role in safeguarding Ukraine's cultural heritage, offering deeper insight into the historical context and cultural impact of these outstanding personalities. Supporting and promoting such projects helps foster national identity and underscores the relevance of history for future generations.

In addition to this fascinating exhibition, the cultural landscape of Kyiv continues to evolve, as evidenced by the recent reopening of a historic site. The transformation of Kyiv’s oldest stone house into a modern museum offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich heritage, complementing the narratives presented through the death masks on display.