Zelensky visits Odesa Fine Arts Museum, which planned to be restored until 2025 – presidential press service

KYIV. Oct 30 (Interfax-Ukraine) – President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky visited the National Fine Arts Museum as part of his visit to Odesa region, the presidential press service said.

"During a working trip to Odesa region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky visited Odesa Fine Arts Museum, which will be restored within the framework of the Big Construction National Program," the message says.

The head of state looked at the expositions of works by Ivan Aivazovsky, Wassily Kandinsky, masters of Odesa school of painting, works of artists of the 20th century and works of modern art.

Zelensky also saw an exhibition of works by Oleksandr Roitburd, who was the director of the museum in 2018-2021 and after whose death the president signed a decree granting Odesa Fine Arts Museum national status.

"Thanks to the energy and talent of Oleksandr Roitburd, who left a particle of his soul here, the museum acquired a completely different meaning not only for Odesa, but for entire Ukraine. This place is becoming a kind of magnet for art lovers from all over the world," Zelensky said.

In recent years, the institution is developing rapidly, increasing the number of visitors each year. Last year, about 30,000 people visited it, and over eight months of this year – more than 22,300.

"The collection of the museum includes collections and works of art of national importance. The number of museum items in 2020 amounted to more than 9,700, and this year another 403 works have been received by the museum fund," the statement said.

In addition, the museum constantly hosts public events, in particular, dedicated to the implementation of human rights and freedoms and the disclosure of the potential of Ukrainian culture.

Zelensky noted that the state, for its part, should make efforts to restore the historical building of the museum.

"It is necessary not only to restore the building, to improve the environment where the exhibits are stored, but also to create decent conditions for museum workers, for whom this is not just a job, but a life vocation," Volodymyr Zelensky said.

The presidential press service notes that in 2021, within the framework of the Big Construction program, a project has been developed for carrying out repair and restoration work on the museum building. In particular, it is planned to repair ceilings, restore walls, floors, provide sound and heat insulation, repair all facades and update lighting, as well as equip inclusive bathrooms and an elevator.

"Completion of the work is expected in 2025," the press service summed up.

The museum is located in the building of the former Potocki Palace, built in 1810-1820. The building is a monument of cultural heritage of national importance.

In addition to the main building, the museum has fund rooms and a grotto, administrative premises, a restoration workshop, a specially equipped classroom for children’s classes and the Yellow Giants gallery.