Lviv – the city in the West of Ukraine has always been a multicultural place. This can be seen in its architecture. In 1998, UNESCO listed the historic centre of Lviv as part of World Heritage. Walking down the cobblestone streets lined with ancient buildings feels like visiting an open-air museum. Today it looks more like a modern art installation.

The famous fountains of Rynok Square by German sculptor Hartman Witwer: Amphitrite, Neptune, Diana and Adonis are wrapped in bubble foil and scotch tape. The enfilades of the museums and the altars of churches are empty – the paintings, sculptures and sacred objects were moved to safe shelters.

Until recently, Lviv remained a relatively safe destination for people from all over Ukraine. Yet, it did not avoid missile strikes that came from Belarusian territories. 

Since the beginning of Russia’s war on Ukraine, cultural heritage is purposely being targeted. Ukrainians rushed to protect important cultural objects in Lviv, often with the support of international institutions.  

Join our campaign on social media: share evidence of Russian war crimes related to cultural heritage destruction in Ukraine and stories of protecting Ukrainian culture. #ARTvsWAR #StandWithUkraine