A collection of 18th-century Ukrainian sacred objects will go on display in the UK for the first time this September at the V&A South Kensington. Sacred Treasures from Kyiv, opening on 14 September 2026, brings together seven objects on loan from the National Preserve ‘Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra’, the historic monastic complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyiv. The free display will focus on the Lavra’s importance as a centre of Ukrainian Baroque art and religious life.
Among the works are an icon, a silver-bound altar Gospel and a gilded silver chalice depicting the Crucifixion, alongside a diskos used to carry the Eucharist during Orthodox liturgy. Dating from the 18th century, the objects reflect the craftsmanship that flourished at the Lavra, which was founded in the 11th century and became an important centre of artistic production and patronage. The display builds on a long-term partnership between the V&A and the National Preserve, which has included research into two pairs of rare silver-gilt Holy Gates in the Gilbert Collection that originally came from the monastery.
Coinciding with the 975th anniversary of the Lavra’s founding, Sacred Treasures from Kyiv will be accompanied by a programme exploring Ukrainian cultural heritage, including a one-day symposium examining preservation, representation and collaboration between Ukrainian and UK institutions. The exhibition will remain on view in Galleries 84 and 89 at the V&A South Kensington until 17 September 2027.
