We present to your attention the new release of the “Memories of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” photo project dedicated to visitors and staff of the Kyiv-Pechersk State Historical and Cultural Preserve in the 1960s.

In the early 1960s of the 20th century, the main repair and restoration work in the territory of the Upper Lavra was completed. Also, by 1962, the whole area around the ruins of the Dormition Cathedral was improved, huge accumulations of debris were cleared, which facilitated the access of large tour groups and individual visitors. At this time, in addition to the ongoing exhibitions (“Caves and Relics”, “Metal and Wood Art”, “Decorative Textile and Needlework of the 17th-19th centuries”), new ones were created, such as “Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the Monument of Architecture and Art of the 11th-18th centuries”, “Structure of the Universe”, etc.

Extensive restoration was initiated in the territory of the Lower Lavra. In July 1962, a year and a half after the closure of the monastery, the architectural monuments of the Lower Lavra passed under the control of the Preserve. However, some buildings still were part of the Kyiv housing stock. The last inhabitants of the former Gostynnyi Dvir (Hospitable Courtyard) were settled out only in the late 1970s, just before the 1980 Olympic Games). On November 27, 1963, the Near Caves were opened to visitors. The opening of the Far Caves happened long after, in the next decade, after the completion of archaeological research (1967-1968) and extensive emergency work (the early 1970s).

At this time, the pressure of tourism increased significantly. Large groups of visitors went to the Preserve from different parts of the country. However, the information about the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and its monuments was also disseminated to those who were not able to come to Kyiv: peasants who worked in the fields, servicemen, and others. Special mobile teams of the Preserve workers were formed. They gave professional lectures in the provinces, sometimes during the lunch break.

In the next release of the “Memories of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” photo project you will get acquainted with one of the best exhibitions of the 1970s – “Architectural Ensemble of the Kyiv-Pechersk State Historical and Cultural Preserve”.

Picture captions:

1. Participants of the republican meeting of museum workers on the Cathedral Square of the Lavra. 1962

2. Group of servicemen listen to the story of V. Shydenko, the Preserve worker.

3. Tourists on the Cathedral Square listen to a lecture by S. Kalinina, the Preserve worker.

4. Radio interview near the Dormition Cathedral ruins.

5. Research workers of the Preserve P. Darmansky, P. Stepanov, V. Shydenko (with a pointer) give a lecture to kolkhozniks (collective farmers) in the field. Bila Tserkva district of Kyiv region.

6. V. Pavlenko, the Preserve worker, after a lecture at the Berdychiv House of Officers. November 1962

7. Workers of the Preserve V. Krykotun, F. Lazaikin and P. Darmansky with the heads of the Berdychiv House of Officers. February 1964

8. Workers of the Preserve inspect the progress of the restoration of the Great Lavra Bell Tower. S. Kilesso is pictured first from the left.

9. Workers of the Preserve. The first row from left to right: J. Balyuta, Y. Lesnevsky, O. Sopin, Zalyva, O. Popchenko, A. Maletsky. The second row: M. Shevchenko, Gubarev, Kostyukov, V. Petropavlosky, V. Vasylenko, Tereshchenko, I. Sheptyukov.

10. Workers of the Preserve collection storage. From left to right: M. Kunytska, L. Omelyanenko, O. Shuplyakova, Soroka ?, L. Kovaleva.

11. Workers of the Preserve at a festive dinner in the Lavra Garden. O. Sopin, the Director of the Preserve, is pictured in the center.