Seven sacred works from the National Preserve ‘Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra’ are being shown in the UK for the first time as part of a new display at V&A South Kensington, with support from the British Council.
Sacred Treasures from Kyiv opens at V&A South Kensington on 14 September 2026. The display brings together seven sacred works from the Baroque period, created by Kyiv silversmiths for use in Ukrainian Orthodox worship, among them an icon, a silver-bound altar Gospel, a diskos and a silver-gilt chalice depicting the Crucifixion.
The works combine the exceptional craftsmanship of Ukrainian Baroque silverwork with the rich spiritual and artistic culture of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, one of Ukraine's most important cultural and religious centres.
Founded in the 11th century, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra has been an important centre of spiritual life, learning, art and patronage for nearly a millennium. Today, it is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The display opens in the year that marks the 975th anniversary of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and the centenary of the National Preserve 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra'
Reconnecting Ukrainian heritage with its history
The display builds on a multi-year partnership between the Lavra and the V&A, one strand of which has focused on research into the Holy Gates. During the Soviet period, the Gates were removed from the Lavra and subsequently passed through a number of private collections abroad. Over the following decades, their origins and history were described and interpreted through the lens of a Russian imperial narrative.
The Holy Gates are now displayed at the V&A on long-term loan from the Gilbert Trust for the Arts. From 14 September, they will be shown alongside seven works from the collection of the National Preserve 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra', some of which were created by the same makers who worked on the Holy Gates. Bringing these works together clarifies their connections within a shared Ukrainian artistic tradition and helps present the origins and history of the Holy Gates more accurately.
Long-term cultural partnerships
The British Council has supported the transport of the seven works to the UK, as well as the participation of specialists from the National Preserve 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra' in curatorial research and professional exchange with UK colleagues.
The Ukrainian Institute facilitates collaboration between Ukrainian and UK institutions and co-organises the project's public programme. The project is also supported by the Gilbert Trust for the Arts, the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Embassy of Ukraine in the United Kingdom.
By strengthening long-term connections between cultural institutions and professionals in Ukraine and the UK, the project contributes to the cultural ambitions of the UK–Ukraine 100 Year Partnership.
Expanding the conversation
Alongside the display, V&A South Kensington will host the international symposium Ukrainian Cultural Heritage and UK Institutions: Shifting Perspectives and Practice on 15 September 2026.
The symposium is supported by the British Council, which is also enabling the participation of a Ukrainian delegation. It will bring together Ukrainian, UK and international specialists to explore changing approaches to the research, interpretation, preservation and presentation of Ukrainian heritage.
Sacred Treasures from Kyiv is on display at V&A South Kensington from 14 September 2026 to 17 September 2027.