The museum holds a collection of over 80 stone statues known as 'stone babas' (Polovtsian idols) dating from the 9th to 13th centuries.
It was originally established in the house of a local merchant, Andriy Fabr, who served as the governor of Yekaterinoslav.
The museum contains an original 18th-century milestone erected during the travel of Catherine the Great to Crimea.
Much of the current collection was saved and cataloged by Dmytro Yavornytskyi, whose personal efforts prevented the loss of many artifacts during the early 20th century.
The museum exhibition incorporates rare ethnographic items, including traditional Ukrainian clothing and household tools from the Dnieper region.
The Dmytro Yavornytskyi National Historical Museum is one of Ukraine's oldest and largest museums, housing a collection that spans from prehistoric artifacts to the modern era. It is best known for its extensive collection of Polovtsian stone idols, some of the most significant in Eastern Europe. The institution was founded in 1849 as the Public Museum of Yekaterinoslav. Its permanent exhibition is divided into nine halls covering the history of the Steppe, Cossack history, and the industrial development of the Dnipro region. The museum bears the name of Dmytro Yavornytskyi, a renowned Ukrainian historian and researcher of Cossack history who served as its long-time director. The building itself is an architectural monument designed by Feofil Tartavull. It serves as a primary repository for artifacts recovered from the Dnieper Rapids before they were flooded by hydroelectric construction. The collections include unique archaeological findings, numismatic records, and ethnographic materials representing regional identity.
The central hall with its grand staircase and the exterior courtyard featuring the collection of ancient stone sculptures.
Prioritize the 'Stone Idols' lapidarium, which is often considered the highlight of the collection.
Check the museum's official website or social pages before visiting to verify the current availability of specific permanent exhibitions.
Allocate time for the outdoor displays near the entrance, which are often overlooked by visitors heading straight inside.
Do not rush through the exhibits; the significance of the collection is often missed without reading the provided historical context.
Closed on Mondays and the last Wednesday of every month.
Maintain a quiet demeanor; photography is generally permitted but flash usage is usually restricted in galleries with fragile artifacts.
