Preserving History Amidst Conflict: Ukraine's Ghost Museums

In the war-torn regions of eastern Ukraine, museums are grappling with the profound impact of the ongoing conflict with Russia, striving to preserve historical artifacts and collective memory. As of July 2025, the museum of local history in Izium stands as a poignant testament to resilience and adaptation, having endured considerable damage since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in early 2022. The building, a 19th-century structure, suffered direct missile hits that led to significant destruction, yet it has become a focal point for the community's efforts to remember and document their shared history.

The museum's director, Halyna Ivanova, noted that the institution is currently in a fragile state, with its collection largely evacuated for safety and its doors closed to the public due to ongoing military threats. "We are trying to preserve memories, to fix them," Ivanova stated, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the city's history before and after the war. The museum has shifted its focus toward temporary exhibitions, displaying artworks by local artists and photographs captured by soldiers from the frontline. This new approach aims not only to maintain cultural continuity but also to honor the lives lost during the conflict, including that of the children's writer Volodymyr Vakulenko, whose poignant diary was buried before his tragic death.

Similarly, the Sviatohirsk Lavra monastery and its associated museum face challenges in preserving their historical and cultural significance amid the conflict. The monastery, which has medieval origins, has become a refuge for displaced individuals and a center for community support. Yaroslava Diedova, the museum's deputy director, recounted the devastating loss of her predecessor, who was killed during a missile strike. The museum is dedicated to fostering community resilience, hosting creative workshops for refugee children and guided tours for soldiers, helping to restore a sense of normalcy in a region marked by chaos.

The broader implications of these ghost museums extend beyond mere preservation; they serve as crucial sites for collective memory and historical accountability. Ivanova is also developing a "museum of occupation," which aims to collect and display artifacts left behind by invading forces, thereby creating tangible evidence of their actions and the suffering inflicted upon local populations. Items such as propaganda materials, military uniforms, and remnants of conflict are being curated to educate future generations about the realities of war.

In the face of ongoing threats, these museums exemplify the tenacity of Ukrainian culture and the commitment of their curators to safeguarding history against erasure. As Ivanova poignantly remarked, "The work of the museum is to save the city in some way—if necessary, in people’s memories." This sentiment resonates deeply within the community, as the echoes of history continue to shape their present and influence their future endeavors.

In conclusion, the challenges faced by Ukraine's ghost museums highlight the critical role of cultural institutions in times of conflict. By adapting their missions and engaging with the community, these museums are not only preserving artifacts but also fostering resilience and remembrance in a landscape altered by war. As the situation evolves, the commitment to safeguarding collective memory remains paramount, ensuring that the stories of those impacted by the conflict are not forgotten.