To mark the fourth anniversary of the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we will host an Experience Ukraine Open House to highlight why Ukrainians continue to defend their heritage and homeland.
During the Open House, the Institute’s historic mansion will be transformed into an immersive journey across Ukraine. Each room will spotlight a different region through visuals, flavors, music, crafts, and stories—from Lviv’s café culture and Odesa-inspired art to the democratic traditions rooted in Zaporizhzhian Khortytsia—offering visitors a deeper understanding of the country and its people. Through culture, history, and community, the program highlights Ukraine’s extraordinary traditions and the democratic values that continue to inspire resilience today.
OFFERINGS AND EXPERIENCES
A full schedule will be published on the Institute’s website soon.
Performances and Readings
Ukrainian songs from the Carpathians, Kyiv, and Luhansk on traditional instruments by Victory for U
Dance performance and poetry reading by members of the American Association of Crimean Turks
Jazz piano performance by renowned Kharkiv native, Fima Chupakhin
Poetry reading by author and translator, Olena Jennings
Interactive Art Workshops
“Draw Your Own Sea Creature” studio, led by Odesa-born instructor, Nina Bulatska, and inspired by Ukrainian folk artist, Maria Prymachenko
Ukrainian national symbol Tryzub workshop, hosted by artist Maya Hayuk
Presentations and Storytelling
Ukraine’s Resilience by Valeria Kovtun, 2025‑2026 Obama Foundation Scholar at Columbia University
Tabletochky by Olia Kudinienko, founder of the largest charitable foundation in Ukraine supporting children with cancer
Tastings
Sunflower oil from Kiraly Family Farm, Catskills
Wine from Shabo winery (Odesa) and Beykush winery (Mykolayiv)
Sparkling wine from Soloking wine (Crimea)
Coffee by Kavka, a Ukrainian roasting company based in Maine
Films
Filming & Experiencing Kharkiv with Forbes journalist, Katya Soldak
Farmers of Kherson, a short documentary by Irish-born, Ukraine-based journalist Caolan Robinson
This open house is both a celebration and an act of recognition. It highlights why Ukrainians continue to defend their country: Ukraine is extraordinary, with a cultural heritage stretching back thousands of years and a spirit that continues to defend democracy in the world today.
Experience Ukraine Open House
February 21–22 | 12–6 PM
Ukrainian Institute of America
2 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075
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