Memorial and museum to the 1932-33 famine
The National Museum Memorial to Holodomor Victims is located at Lavrska Street 3 in Kyiv, Ukraine, on a landscaped hilltop near the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and above the Dnipro River. It commemorates the Holodomor, the man-made famine of 1932-33 in Soviet Ukraine, which killed millions of people and which Ukraine and many other countries recognise as a genocide. The memorial complex was opened in 2008, and the museum was established as a national institution to document the famine, collect testimonies and educate visitors about its causes and consequences, including forced grain requisitions and restrictions on movement.
The most recognisable element is the Candle of Memory, a tall white structure in the form of a candle, which stands in front of an underground museum. Visitors approach along an alley that leads to the Bell of Memory and a sculpture of a small girl holding wheat ears, 'Bitter Memory of Childhood', placed near the entrance. A hall of remembrance underground is a round space where candles are lit, and the Book of Memory, listing names of victims from villages across Ukraine, is displayed there.
The museum's exhibitions are organised mainly by theme and are presented through documents, photographs, maps, personal belongings, archival films and recorded testimonies by survivors. They show the policy of collectivisation, the grain quotas and the 'blacklists' of villages, as well as everyday objects, such as household items and tools from the period. The design is restrained, with low lighting and quiet atmosphere to suit the subject, and the underground setting is intentionally austere.
The memorial grounds are open-air and include landscaped walkways with views over the river and the Lavra. Annual commemorations are held on the fourth Saturday of November, and the site attracts large numbers of visitors on that day. Because of the gravity of the subject, visitors are expected to behave quietly, and the museum has also developed English-language materials for foreign guests. Opening arrangements may vary with the security situation, so checking current status is advisable.
| Address | Lavrska Street 3 |
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Location
Lavrska Street 3
50.4335, 30.5565 View on map
Highlights
- Candle of Memory structure above the underground museum
- Hall of remembrance with the Book of Memory
- 'Bitter Memory of Childhood' sculpture at the entrance
- Survivor testimonies and archival documents
- Views over the Dnipro from the memorial grounds
Tips for visiting
- Allow about 60 to 90 minutes, including time in the hall of remembrance.
- Dress and behave respectfully, as this is a memorial site.
- Pair with the Lavra and the WWII museum nearby for a half-day.
- Visit around the fourth Saturday of November only if attending the commemoration, as the site is crowded then.
- Ask about English-language guides or audio materials at the entrance.
Accessibility
The memorial grounds include paved paths and the museum is underground, so visitors with mobility needs should ask staff about lift or ramp access in advance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 60 to 90 minutes in the museum and on the memorial grounds.
Is the museum English-language friendly?
The museum provides English-language materials and guides in some form, and staff can help foreign visitors on request.
Can you visit with kids?
Children can enter, but the content on famine and death is distressing, so it suits older children and teenagers better.