2026 Theme: Outpost of Heritage: Museums and Reserves in Times of War.

This year’s forum will place a special focus on the “human firmware” of the museum industry. In the most critical hours and days of the full-scale invasion – while official mechanisms were still being adapted – it was often informal interaction and personal connections between colleagues that proved decisive.

We invite participants to discuss cases in which horizontal communication – from a simple phone call to a colleague to a bold personal initiative – outpaced formal managerial decisions and directly resulted in the rescue of invaluable heritage and human lives.

The FORUM PROGRAM includes the exchange of practical experience and will focus on the following key thematic areas:

Informal Interaction as a Lifeline: The Human Factor vs. Inertia
Analysis of cases in which personal contacts and “horizontal” agreements between museum professionals across different regions enabled rescue operations, evacuations, and logistics. We will discuss how personal initiative often bypassed or outpaced official protocols in critical circumstances.

“Museum in a Suitcase”: Operating During Occupation and Evacuation
Exploring the experiences of institutions whose buildings were destroyed or remain in temporarily occupied territories, yet which have maintained their legal and professional identity. Key topics: remote teamwork, exhibition projects at partner sites, community engagement in exile, and preparing for the return home.

The International “Umbrella” and NGO Assistance
Practical aspects of interacting with foundations and organizations (such as ALIPH, UNESCO, Ukraine Art Aid Centre, and others) that supported museum workers in the most stressful moments. How professional solidarity is converted into tangible support – from power generators to restoration materials.

The Museum Volunteer Shield
Collaboration between museum teams, local communities, and volunteer movements to physically protect heritage sites. This includes constructing protective structures and ensuring the security and vital functions of protected areas in frontline zones.

Museum as a Space of Resilience (Resilience Hub)
The social mission of Museums and Reserves in wartime: experiences in supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the rehabilitation of military personnel through cultural heritage, and the museum’s role in safeguarding the community’s mental health.

Registration & Contact Information

We invite representatives of museums, reserves, and non-governmental organisations to participate in the 6th All-Ukrainian Museum Forum “Museum: Temple of the Muses.”

Please register in the modulo online.

Organising Committee Contact Information:

Oleh Pohorilets – Director of the State Historical and Cultural Reserve “Mezhybizh”
Phone: +38 067-774-66-47 (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram)
Ihor Zapadenko – Deputy Director of the State Historical and Cultural Reserve “Mezhybizh”, Secretary of the Organising Committee
Phone: +38 067-943-74-04 (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram)
E-mail: mezhybizh@ukr.net

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Legacy of the Forum – “Museum: Temple of the Muses”
The tradition of holding museum forums at the State Historical and Cultural Reserve “Mezhybizh” dates back to 2013. Over the years, the forum has evolved into a vital platform for the Ukrainian museum community:

2019: V Museum Forum – Marked the 200th anniversary of the fi rst museum in Medzhybizh Castle. It introduced the “Palace of European Stories” concept and explored digital innovations, including Augmented Reality (AR).
The Path to the VI Forum: The sixth annual forum, originally planned for 2020, was delayed fi rst by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently by the full-scale Russian armed aggression against Ukraine.
Throughout its history, the “Museum: Temple of the Muses” forums have united representatives from dozens of leading museums and conservation sites across nearly every region of Ukraine – from Luhansk in the east to Lviv in the west – strengthening the shared mission of preserving and promoting national heritage.

2013: Regional Forum “Museum Space of Khmelnytskyi Region” – Dedicated to competitions for mini-exhibitions, museum publications, fi lms, and creative projects.

2015: I Regional Museum Forum – Focused on exchanging best practices and fi nding spiritual support in cultural heritage amidst social challenges.

2016: II Regional Museum Forum – Centred on the social orientation of museum programs and strengthening cooperation between institutions and local communities.

2017: III Museum Forum – Facilitated a professional dialogue on the future of museums and the role of tourism as a catalyst for European integration.

2018: IV Museum Forum – Commemorated the European Year of Cultural Heritage, focusing on preservation theories and modern forms of museum engagement.