These museums are working to protect Ukraine's cultural heritage

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is now entering its seventh month. The toll it’s taken on the country is immense, not only on its citizenry but also on its symbols of culture.

The U.N. has verified damage to 183 Ukrainian heritage sites, while the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation puts that number at 450. One museum that was destroyed contained the art of the internationally celebrated Ukrainian artist, Maria Prymachenko.

Many Ukrainian museum directors have decided to stay in the country to protect national treasures. And in the U.S., the Smithsonian is training curators on how to protect those pieces and how to document war crimes, like the intentional destruction of cultural heritage sites.

We partner with the Smithsonian’s “Sidedoor” podcast, to bring you the story of Ukraine’s mission to protect its art and culture.