Museums as Hubs of Cultural Unity
On May 18, 2025, the world celebrated International Museum Day, an event that has highlighted the essential role of museums in preserving cultural traditions, education, and fostering dialogue across generations for over forty years.
In over 40 countries worldwide, the «Night of Museums» took place — an annual European initiative that transforms cultural institutions into platforms for dialogue, art, and openness.
More than 3,000 museums participated in the event, opening their doors late into the evening and offering unique programs to audiences: from exhibitions to performances, late-night screenings, and immersive experiences.
The theme for this year’s celebration was «The Future of Museums in Changing Communities» — a response to the challenges of our time.
Despite the ongoing war, Ukrainian museums continue their operations. Exhibitions dedicated to the memory of the fallen, efforts to preserve national heritage during wartime, and artistic initiatives focused on recovery and inner strength have all become part of the museum landscape in 2025.
This year, the Odessa Municipal Museum of Personal Collections named after O. V. Bleschunov joined the «Night of Museums» with a special event: the opening of the exhibition «Connection» by artist Sofia Golubeva. This project addresses the theme of female mutual support during wartime — through texts, images, and personal stories.
«This is not just an exhibition about the female experience — it is an attempt to find a new language of closeness, when old words no longer suffice,» says Sofia Golubeva.
Complementing the event was an author lecture by the artist, where she discussed the creation of the project, a delicate yet strong art form born from experiences of loss, love, and shared crisis.
On May 24 at 14:30, the artist will conduct a painting workshop titled «Figure in Water,» open to all interested participants. During the workshop, attendees will explore how to convey the figure in the water — through light, shadows, and reflections.
The exhibition «Connection» will be available for viewing until June 8.
The museum is open from Thursday to Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Museum address: Polish St. 19 (entrance from the courtyard).
