A presentation of Ukraine's fist Architecture Museum and the first phase of reconstruction of the famous Metropolitan's Residence was held in the territory of the National Reserve "Sofia Kyivska".
Unveiling of such cultural monuments is the result of work done not only by SCM's Foundation for Development of Ukraine but the Government as well. Although, as the First Deputy Minister of Building, Architecture and Housing and Communal Services of Ukraine Anatoliy Berkuta pointed out, the major expenses fell on the Foundation. Totally, UAH 15 million were allocated for the reconstruction, and as of October 1, 2006, UAH 14,673,736 was spent. "UAH 15 million is quite a great amount considering that the entire reconstruction needs UAH 30 million. Still, we hope, more patrons of the arts will join us, because this project is worth attention," Mr Berkuta underlined.
However, money is not the only point here. According to Mr. Anatoliy Zabolotnyi, the Director of the aforementioned Foundation, it is necessary not only to invest money but to breathe life into the building. "We are trying to help Sofia Kyivska move from the strategy of survival to the strategy of development. We initiated the establishment of Advisory Board. Presently, we help Sofia Kyivska management develop its own strategy for fund raising. We are trying to create a community of partial people, so called "Club of Sofia Kyivska Friends," Mr. Zapolotnyi said. He added that these people should be sincere and enthusiastic, and not necessarily potential patrons of the arts. They could be common people, which is very important for the life of the museum.
After reconstruction, the Metropolitan's Residence, being a monument of architecture of the ХVІІІ century, will be used as a place for formal summit presentations, exhibitions and expositions. In addition, the graphics school promoting the Ukrainian architecture as a whole will be located there.

Den
by Irina Kononenko

25.10.06