London Exhibition Reclaims Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Treasures as Ukrainian Heritage
“Sacred Treasures from Kyiv” at V&A South Kensington presents seven examples of Ukrainian sacred art from the 17th and 18th centuries. The display also brings the works together with two pairs of silver-gilt Holy Gates from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, whose history has been reinterpreted to reflect their Ukrainian origins.
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London has unveiled "Sacred Treasures from Kyiv," showcasing seven sacred works from the National Preserve "Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra" for the first time in the UK. The exhibition, which runs until September 17, 2027, features Ukrainian Baroque sacred art and includes pieces created by Kyiv goldsmiths in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The display complements the V&A's long-term loan of the Lavra's Holy Gates, which were previously mislabeled as Russian artifacts. Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture, Tetyana Berezhna, welcomed the presentation as a pivotal moment in how Ukrainian heritage is represented in British museums.
"These national treasures showcase the exceptional skill of Ukrainian silversmiths and illuminate the rich artistic heritage preserved by the Lavra," said V&A Director Tristram Hunt. The display aligns with the 975th anniversary of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and the centenary of the National Preserve, supported by multiple British and Ukrainian institutions.
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