THE ROLE OF MUSEUMS IN PRESERVING UKRAINE’S CULTURAL HERITAGE DURING WARTIME CHALLENGES

Abstract

The article examines the role of museums in preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage amid wartime challenges. The study aims to analyze the impact of military conflicts on Ukraine’s cultural heritage, identify the role of museums in its preservation, and develop recommendations to improve their activities in complex conditions. The research employed methods of analysis and synthesis, which allowed for a comprehensive review of scientific articles and expert publications. The findings indicate that war has caused significant damage to Ukraine’s cultural heritage. Unique museums, such as the Melitopol Local History Museum with its collection of Scythian gold and the Arkhip Kuindzhi State Art Museum in Mariupol, have been destroyed. Architectural landmarks, including the Popov Manor House and Vorontsov Palace, have suffered significant damage. These losses highlight the vulnerability of cultural infrastructure in conflict zones. Under such circumstances, museums perform critical functions: safeguarding and preserving cultural assets, documenting damage, representing cultural heritage on an international level, protecting the right to cultural identity, and fostering educational activities. Emphasis is placed on the need to adopt innovative approaches in museum operations, such as digitizing collections and creating virtual tours. These measures will not only provide broader access to cultural heritage but also ensure its preservation in the face of future threats. International cooperation is particularly important, as it facilitates the implementation of large-scale projects for the preservation and promotion of cultural values. The practical significance of this study lies in the development of recommendations for Ukrainian museums, which can be used to enhance their activities in preserving cultural heritage during crises.