The exhibition "Ukrainian Christmas tree toys: from the 19th century to the present day" opened at the War Museum.
When did the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree appear in Ukraine? What were the first Christmas tree decorations? Why did cotton wool ornaments disappear from store shelves and our home Christmas trees? Is it true that Ukrainians were forbidden to celebrate Christmas? The War Museum and curator and researcher of Christmas tree decorations, Maryna Lukianova, invite you to discover the history of the most anticipated winter holiday and its inseparable attribute—the Christmas tree.
The project explores a festive, cozy, close to each of us and, simultaneously, a historical phenomenon—the Christmas tree toy. You will see how its images, materials, and manufacturing techniques have changed over the decades. You will learn all the intricacies of the production of the first glass balls and cotton figures.
The exhibition proposes to reject the stereotype of a Christmas tree decoration as a typical decoration, which was established for us by the Soviet tradition of celebrating the New Year. Let us look at it from an unusual angle: as a self-sufficient museum object that reflects the customs of the Ukrainian holiday calendar and the development of one of the directions of Ukrainian industry. The exhibition presents rare artifacts: the first Christmas tree decorations of the 19th century, toys from the First World War, paper, ornamental glass decorations, and modern products with original hand-made paintings.
You will also find an interactive photo zone where every visitor can become the main character of the exhibition and a part of the history of Ukrainian Christmas!
The exhibition is open for a separate ticket according to the Museum’s schedule.
