- Friday, October 17, 2025
On October 15, the History Museum of Yuriy Fedkovych National University hosted the exhibition “The University Through the Lens of Personalities” and the opening of “UNESCO-Hall.” The event was part of the university’s 150th anniversary celebration.
The exhibition marked a new chapter in the development of the university’s History Museum — in a modern format, highlighting the diverse history through the figures who shaped the university across different periods. The “UNESCO-Hall” space was designed to be a dynamic platform for meetings, discussions, and cultural initiatives within the walls of Ukraine’s only university that holds UNESCO World Heritage status.
In his speech, Rector Ruslan Biloskurskyi emphasized that the museum’s creation was a result of hard work of multiple generations of the university community. A key role in revitalizing the museum’s activities was played by the former rectors — Professors Stepan Melnychuk and Roman Petryshyn, who initiated renovations, development of the concept, and gathering of archival materials.
The exhibition was developed with contributions from colleagues and students of the Department of Decorative, Applied, and Fine Arts (headed by Myroslava Zhavoronkova), who worked on the restoration of authentic chairs; Associate Professor Ivan Salevych — the creator of a scale model of a bronze bust of the first rector, Kostiantyn Tomashchuk; additionally, professors and students from the Department of Architecture and Conservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (headed by Iryna Korotun), who designed the concept and prepared layouts for the exhibition stands.
The event featured speeches from Honorary Professor and Honorary Citizen of Chernivtsi Yuriy Makar, Director of the National Archive of the Chernivtsi Region Mykola Rubanets, Deputy Director of the Scientific Library Oleh Shyliuk, and Bohdana Matsiuk, staff member of the University’s History Museum, who discussed the key stages of the university’s development — from the Austrian period to the present day. The event was coordinated by Professor Tamara Marusyk, Head of the UNESCO Site Management Centre.
Alongside the exhibition, a themed photo zone was set up. Visitors could try on academic gowns and caps, sit in a restored stasidia chair, and take photos next to the bust of Konstiantyn Tomashchuk.
Iryna Korotun presented the new “UNESCO-Hall,” highlighting its mission — to promote cultural heritage, encourage interdisciplinary projects, and serve as a space for scientific and artistic events.
The event concluded with expressions of gratitude to everyone who helped bring the idea to life and wishes for the continued prosperity of the university — the spiritual, scientific, and cultural center of Bukovyna.
