Explore 3 finished Kyiv artworks and 3 Emblems available to collect at mapped locations.
Kyiv through the memories and imagination of its artists
The Kyiv Passport is an independent cultural pilot being shaped with Ukrainian artists. It begins with places that carry personal meaning rather than a generic sightseeing checklist.
The founding series includes Olena Oprich’s Pochaina, Bolesław’s Victory at the Golden Gate and Oliana Moroz’s Saint Sophia Cathedral. 3 Emblems are available to collect.
3 artworks and the artists behind them
Inspired by a moment the artist witnessed between an elderly seller and his granddaughter, this first Kyiv Emblem celebrates a place of unexpected treasures, shared time and the everyday stories held by second-hand objects.
The Golden Gate of Kyiv, originally constructed between 1017 and 1024 under Yaroslav the Wise, was a key entrance to Kievan Rus and symbolized the city's grandeur. Modeled after Constantinople's Golden Gate, it eventually fell into ruins but was controversially reconstructed by the Soviet Union in 1982 for Kyiv's 1500th anniversary. The modern structure, blending red brick and wooden fortifications, now houses a museum. An artistic depiction by Jan Matejko captures the legendary moment when King Bolesław the Brave struck the gate with his sword, symbolizing his victory during the 1018 Kyivan succession crisis, when he supported his son-in-law, Prince Sviatopolk I, in seizing Kyiv. This scene, framed by the iconic gate and the city's warm-toned architecture, emphasizes the historical significance of the landmark and the dramatic nature of this pivotal event.
Saint Sophia Cathedral is an 11th-century landmark in the historic heart of Kyiv. Its interior preserves remarkable mosaics and frescoes, while Ukrainian Baroque monastic buildings frame the cathedral. Together with Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the cathedral ensemble has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1990. Its architecture and surviving interior decoration bear witness to the cultural and spiritual life of medieval Kyiv. Oliana Moroz reimagines Saint Sophia with deep green domes, golden crosses and a pale blue bell tower beneath a textured sky. Bright trees surround the cathedral, bringing her interest in nature, memory and a sense of place into a vivid view of Kyiv.
Founding artists
Olena Oprich's first contribution to the Kyiv Passport turns an everyday memory from the flea market near Pochaina into a gentle story about generations, discovery and the objects people leave behind.
Oliana Moroz is a contemporary Ukrainian artist, born in the Donetsk region and currently living and working in Kyiv.
Her artistic language is closely connected to memories of childhood in the Donetsk region and to the experience of losing a sense of home because of the war.
A place, an artist and a story to keep
Explore Kyiv’s places and keep their artworks and stories in your Kyiv Passport.
Each artwork is connected to a real place in Kyiv and a story worth keeping.
A Kyiv Passport led by Ukrainian voices
The founding series is an independent cultural pilot. No city authority, institution, partner or reward is presented as confirmed until participation is agreed.
Creators retain ownership of their work and receive clear attribution wherever their Emblems appear.
