Award or misunderstanding? Kyiv Pechersk Preserve received the European Standard of Museum

Kyiv Pechersk National Historical and Cultural Preserve got the “European Standard of Museum” certificate from European Economic Chamber of Trade, Commerce, and Industry (EEC).

It was stated in the press release that such certificates are granted to the institutions that meet the general concept of a museum and the standards and criteria set by EEC, provide high-quality museum service, with expertise and capable of providing specialized consulting services.

Website of the National Kyiv Pechersk Preserve (www.kplavra. kiev.ua) quotes Viktoria LISNYCHA, director general who said: “I would like to note that my main desire from the very beginning was for the Preserve to get into the cohort of the best museums and parks in Europe.

I am sincerely glad that my vision of the preserve’s development coincides with that of European experts.”

Here is the opinion on this matter of Serhii KROLEVETS, head of the All-Ukrainian Association of Museums, The Day’s expert and reporter:

“It is very similar to how a decade ago various unknown European institutions granted pompous titles to our newly rich men. Kyiv Pechersk National Historical and Cultural Preserve got on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

As far as I know over the past four years UNESCO had serious complaints to Ukraine about the maintenance of this facility in accordance with the requirements of the World Heritage Committee and international conventions ratified by Ukraine.

By the way, there is a constant reinforced monitoring of the facility. However, Ukraine practically does not follow any of the recommendations suggested by the world community.

Therefore, this certificate of some European commercial institution is only an attempt to put up a good front. Try to talk to the director general in person. It seems that Mrs. Lisnycha does not understand what she is supposed to be doing. [The Day tried to call Mrs. Lisnycha but her press office told us to send an official request and promised to respond in terms defined by the law. – Ed.] Assigning scandalous former photo model Vlada Lytovchenko as personal adviser is the proof of this. Therefore, I interpret this award as a complete misunderstanding.”