- Credibility:
UKRAINIAN VILLAGE — The Ukrainian National Museum reopened Thursday with strict social distancing rules.
Museum staff worked throughout the pandemic and are excited to welcome back the public, said Lydia Tkaczuk, president of the museum’s board of directors.
“It’s a gem in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood,” Tkaczuk said. “It has a variety of things that might interest any one individual. It gives you an overview or a window into the lives of Ukrainians, those who lived in Ukraine and those who live in Chicago.”
Founded in 1952 by displaced scholars, the museum’s archives reflect the lives of people “forced by cruel circumstances to leave their homeland,” according to the museum’s website.
The museum includes extensive historical archives, including an exhibit dedicated to the Ukrainian genocide. There are also large collections of folk art, including psyanka — traditional painted Easter eggs — as well as ongoing curation efforts.
Jerald Kostik, a child of Ukrainian immigrants who was born in Argentina and lived in Ukrainian Village 1961-1969, said he hopes the community embraces the museum and supports the archives there.
“When you are part of a people that have immigrated from one place to another … you have to find out for yourself what that means,” he said. “Any time there’s something that can take you back, there’s nothing better.”
Only five people will be allowed inside the museum, 2249 W. Superior St., per hour. In accordance with the state’s coronavirus restrictions, the museum will provide hand sanitizer upon entry and exit. Guests must wear face masks at all times. Bags and coats shouldn’t be brought inside.
Guests must maintain 6 feet of distance from others and bathrooms will not be available for use.
People should not visit the museum if they have symptoms of coronavirus or have been in contact with someone who has had the virus in the past month.
The museum is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, with final entrance at 3 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students and free for members.
The museum does encourage reservations. Email admin@ukrainiannationalmuseum.org call 312-421-8020.
You can donate to the museum online or become a member online.
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