Lecture by Olena Zhukova:"Modern Museum vs. Soviet Legacy: Rethinking Museum Practices in Ukraine"

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When: May 21 at 18:30Where: Online via Zoom (the link will be sent to the email provided upon registration and shared in the KRCC Telegram channel)

This lecture will introduce the basic concepts of museology, the structure and functions of a contemporary museum. We will explore how museums act as mediators between heritage and society, examine their mission, and reflect on their influence on social processes. Special attention will be paid to the comparison between Ukrainian museums and the Soviet museum model—a system still deeply rooted in Ukraine. Through an analysis of Soviet museological theories and examples from current Ukrainian practices, we will see how the Soviet model continues to dominate. Participants will understand why the promotion of this model hinders genuine modernization.
The lecture calls for a critical rethinking of museum structures, values, and methods in order to restore the museum’s essential role—as a living, open, and reflective mediator between people and cultural heritage. Its aim is to identify what exactly is "wrong" with Ukrainian museums, delve into the principles of museum organization, explore their potential, and outline possible alternatives. The talk will sketch out the contemporary museum landscape and show what museums can become if developed through museological methods rather than endlessly reproducing the Soviet legacy.
About the speaker:Olena Zhukova is a museologist, heritage specialist, PhD in museum and heritage studies, associate professor, author of national higher education standards in the field, and a European-level expert in heritage and sustainable development. She is currently a Guest Researcher at Kulturvård / Conservation, Uppsala University (Sweden). One of the few Ukrainian scholars conducting empirical research on the impact of cultural and natural heritage in Ukraine and abroad, she has over 20 years of experience.
Her work focuses on the empirical study of heritage’s innovative potential—its ability to revitalize local economies, support the development of cultural and creative industries, improve community well-being, and attract investment.
This lecture is part of the "Reimagining the Museum" project initiated by cultural manager Sviatoslav Mykhailov. The project aims to critically reassess the exhibitions of the Kryvyi Rih Historical Museum, overcome imperial narratives, and propose new, inclusive stories about local history. More about the project can be found at the provided link.
The "Reimagining the Museum" project is supported by the European Union within the House of Europe programme.
Project curator: Sviatoslav Mykhailov
Institutional partner: Kryvyi Rih Cultural Centre / KRCC

About "Reimagining the Museum" project

The Kryvyi Rih Cultural Centre / KRCC is a civic initiative dedicated to developing culture, art, and the creative industries in Kryvyi Rih. Its mission is to unlock the city’s cultural potential by creating a stimulating environment for the growth of creative industries through the activities of the KRCC institution.

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