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Pirogovo Open-Air Museum

A great day out if you want to escape the city for a while and immerse yourself in Ukrainian folk history. Located on the outskirts of Kiev (Kyiv) the Pirogovo Open - Air museum, also known as the National museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine, is a reproduction of an entire Ukrainian village from the past. As much of what to see is situated outside, it would be best to visit during spring through to autumn when the weather is warmer. Not the easiest place to get to so either take a taxi or organise a guided tour where you will be picked-up.

National Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine

National museum of folk architecture and lifestyle of Ukraine is the biggest open air museum in the Eastern Europe. This museum represents national and cultural life of Ukraine in the 16th – 20th centuries, original huts, buildings and churches, amazing instruments of daily life from different  historical  areas of Ukraine. Pirogovo occupies a huge territory 370 acre (1,5 square km) where original ancient buildings which have been brought to Pirogovo and rebuilt again. For everybody who is interested in Ukrainian life of the past this is a must see.

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Pirogovo Open-Air Museum sign

Pirogovo museum is famous of it’s authentic objects – it’s houses, mills, forge and other buildings that were build by Ukrainian citizens almost one hundred years ago. Now the buildings form a single architectural ensemble for you to fully feel the atmosphere of true Ukrainian lifestyle. The picturesque hill with several windmills is the museum’s central place and the entire territory of the museum is divided into sectors, each representing the folk architecture and life of a specific Ukrainian region.


It’s a place where different folk festivals are arranged. During such celebrations a great authentic show with Ukrainian songs and dances   are represented here. Also there are two restaurants of Ukrainian cuisine situated there, so after an interesting excursion you can try the national food.


it’s a great place to spend all day, to walk, to see interesting old architecture, to learn about Ukrainian history, to taste  good food and just relax in the open air just 20 minutes drive from Kyiv centre. Because of the large territory you might want to hire a bike or a Segway, but make sure you take all the correct paperwork like passport.
It is possible to order 1h, 2h and 3h guided tour at the museum for reasonable price but it is a lot cheaper without it, but beware, there is not much English signage.

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