National Museum of the History of Ukraine. One of the country’s largest history museums, on Starokyivska Hill

The National Museum of the History of Ukraine building
An old carriage at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine
An exhibition hall at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine
Antique weapons in a display case at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine
Armor and weapons at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine
Visitors by suits of armor at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine
The National Museum of the History of Ukraine buildingAn old carriage at the National Museum of the History of UkraineAn exhibition hall at the National Museum of the History of UkraineAntique weapons in a display case at the National Museum of the History of UkraineArmor and weapons at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine

One of the largest and oldest history museums in Ukraine, on Starokyivska Hill – where the city began. The museum has a branch, the Treasury, on the grounds of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, with a collection of historical treasures. The permanent exhibition was dismantled and moved to safety after the full-scale invasion began, so temporary exhibitions are shown here now.

Why visit

  • On Starokyivska Hill – the place where the settlement of ancient Kyiv began
  • One of the largest and oldest history museums in Ukraine
  • A 30-day combined ticket gives access to both the museum and its Treasury branch on the Lavra grounds
  • Temporary exhibitions change regularly – there is something new to see on every visit
  • The themed tour “Starokyivska Hill” tells the history of the place itself, not just the exhibits

Good to know

Ticket prices
General ticket – UAH 200, reduced (school/university students, pensioners) – UAH 100. Preschool children – free.
Combined ticket with the Treasury branch
A combined ticket for self-guided visits to the museum and the Treasury costs UAH 300, reduced UAH 150. It is valid for 30 calendar days from purchase.
Free admission
Free for orphans, children of combat veterans and of fallen soldiers, combat veterans, war veterans, Heroes of Ukraine, conscripts and people with Group I and II disabilities. Also free for all visitors on the last Wednesday of every month, and on May 18 (International Museum Day) and August 24 (Independence Day).
Opening hours
Daily from 10:00 to 18:00, box office until 17:00.
Photos without flash
Photography is allowed, but without flash – bright light damages antique exhibits.
Under 12s – only with an adult
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are not allowed.
Annual passes
The “Explorer” pass (self-guided visits to the museum and the Treasury for a year) costs UAH 1,900. The “Treasury of Knowledge” pass (+ a weekly tour) costs UAH 2,500. The “Boundless History” family pass (2 adults + 2 children under 18) costs UAH 3,500.
Getting there
Buses No. 6, 16, 18, 24A and 114A to Mykhailivska Square; trolleybuses No. 16 and 18 to the Vulytsia Volodymyrska stop. The museum has no parking of its own; you can leave your car on Volodymyrska Street or Andriivskyi Descent.
In September – by appointment only
As of September 2026, the museum admits visitors by advance registration rather than walk-in. Tours and events continue on schedule. Check the current arrangements on the museum’s website before your visit.

The museum stands in the very heart of historic Kyiv, on Starokyivska Hill – where, according to archaeological evidence, the settlement of the city began. This gives it special weight among the country’s museums: the area around the building is itself a landmark. After Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, the permanent exhibitions of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine and its branch, the Treasury, were dismantled and moved to a safe place to protect the collection. For now the museum shows only temporary exhibitions on a range of topics: historical, art, and those devoted to particular periods or figures. The current list of exhibitions is published on the museum’s website. A separate branch of the museum is the Treasury of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine, on the grounds of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. It holds a collection of historical treasures: 16th–21st-century goldsmithing and other unique items. A combined ticket lets you visit both within 30 days. The museum regularly runs tours, including the themed tour “Starokyivska Hill: the Voice of Ancient Kyiv” – about the history of the very place where the building stands.