Virtual Museum in Kyiv Metro: Exploring Cultural Heritage

Through the initiative «Virtual Heritage», Ukrainians at the capital's metro stations can learn about their history and culture even during air raid alarms.

Recently, a virtual museum project was launched in Kyiv metro — «Virtual Heritage», supported by local initiatives and archaeological organizations.

The primary goal of the project is to make knowledge about Ukraine's past accessible to everyone, especially for those who find themselves in shelters during alarms or use the metro daily.

Informational posters with QR codes are already displayed at 20 stations of the Kyiv metro — from the historic center to residential areas. By scanning the code, passengers are directed to an online platform where they can explore archaeological sites and cultural events.

All content is available for download and can be used in other shelters — schools, hospitals, and public spaces. Similar posters are set to appear in Kharkiv and Lviv soon.

«We always support significant social initiatives. This project covers multiple stations — posters are placed throughout the city so that residents can learn about Kyiv's history. Eventually, they will also see a full exhibition at the „Golden Gates“ station,» said Oksana Nikoforuk, press secretary of the KP «Kyiv Metro».

Project initiators emphasize that this is not just an exhibition but a way to preserve national memory — a key element of Ukrainian resilience. In wartime, when shelters have become part of everyday life, «Virtual Heritage» transforms these spaces into realms of self-awareness and cultural resistance.

Project leader, Yuriy Puholovok, states that this initiative exemplifies an innovative approach to preserving cultural heritage in wartime. He believes that knowledge of the past is not only a cultural asset but also a matter of national security.

«Virtual Heritage — is a play on words. We stand on a foundation — historical, archaeological, and mental. And this is what Russia seeks to erase. The project's idea is to turn shelters not only into safe places but also into spaces for self-discovery and identity,» explains Anna Yanenko, co-coordinator of the project.

Expert in museum studies, Kateryna Chuieva, points out that such initiatives change societal attitudes toward heritage, especially amidst military aggression, when Ukrainian monuments face destruction almost daily.

The project illustrates how culture can serve as a tool for resilience during challenging times. By combining archaeology, digital technology, and civic initiative, «Virtual Heritage» reaffirms the value of heritage as a foundation for the nation's future.

For more information about the «Virtual Heritage» project, visit the official website.