Ukraine teams up with UNESCO to launch cutting-edge online museum guide

On December 18, UNESCO, the National Union of Architects of Ukraine, and the Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko National Museum of Art presented a practical guide, "Reformatting Museums: Accessibility Architecture and Collection Security."

The Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine reported that.

What is the problem?

"Museums are more than just storage facilities for exhibits. They are repositories of memory, sharing stories of our past, present, and future. During periods of war, when culture is under attack, it is our responsibility to protect and share it with all," Anastasiia Bondar, Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformations, and Digitalization, said.

She also emphasized the critical importance of museum collections' security. During the war, cultural objects require physical protection and new approaches to their preservation.

What is the solution?

Therefore, UNESCO, the National Union of Architects of Ukraine, and the Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko National Museum of Art presented a practical guide titled "Reformatting Museums: Accessibility Architecture and Collection Safety."

According to Bondar, the presented recommendations are the right step towards museum safety.

The presentation brought together representatives of government bodies, museum institutions, architects, public figures, and experts in the preservation of cultural heritage. Among the participants:

• Chiara Dezzi Bardeschi, Head of the UNESCO Office in Ukraine,
• Tetiana Lomakina, Advisor – Commissioner to the President of Ukraine on Accessibility,
• Anastasiia Bondar, Deputy Minister of Culture of Ukraine on Digitalization.

How does it work?

The guide contains recommendations on improving the conditions for storing collections, preparing for emergencies, and creating a barrier-free space. It takes into account international standards and preserves the historical value of museum objects.

Bondar emphasized that museums are spaces of memory that tell the story of history, the present, and the future. It is essential to ensure their accessibility and safety in wartime:

"Ensuring the accessibility of museums is not only about physical access to buildings. It is about the right of every person, regardless of their capabilities or health status, to be part of the cultural life of their country. After all, inclusion is what makes us stronger as a society."

The discussion focused on:

• adapting historical buildings to modern accessibility standards;
• protecting collections in the context of military threats;
• joining forces between museums, architects, and government agencies.

The participants shared real-life examples of addressing accessibility and preservation issues, particularly in museums located in architectural monuments.