This hall tells the stories of those who can rightly be called the forefathers and founders of our country — a European Ukraine.
Ukrainian culture, politics, and statehood have been inseparable parts of European history for more than a thousand years. We never had to search for roundabout ways or “windows” into Europe, because we have long been bound by dynastic marriages, military alliances, trade routes, academic exchanges, war and peace — millions of closely intertwined roots.
Our princes, kings, hetmans, church leaders, and military commanders boldly built out their own land. Yet they always felt connected with their contemporaries and predecessors in Constantinople, Kraków, Tărnovo, Vienna, Leipzig, Vilnius, Paris, Rome, or Stockholm. They drew inspiration from the world around them — and inspired the world in return.
Each of us is their descendant. They achieved much, and we will achieve even more, because they paved the way.
Step forward, and get to know them.
