Thursday07 November 2024
nbn.in.ua

The court has ordered the Museum of the History of Kyiv to return the bas-relief.

The Economic Court has upheld the claims of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine concerning the bas-relief depicting the Archangel Michael.
Суд обязал Музей истории Киева вернуть барельеф.

The Commercial Court has granted the claims of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine regarding the bas-relief depicting Archangel Michael

The bas-relief from the late 17th century titled "Archangel Michael" is one of the first exhibits in the collection of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine (MIST). This year, the museum will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Kyiv City Museum of Antiquities and Arts, which is the predecessor of MIST. The museum's team had planned a series of events for this occasion, including an exhibition titled "Who is Like God? The Image of the Archangel Michael in National History and Culture." Therefore, the bas-relief has been included in the thematic and exhibition plan for this project, which is set to commence in November 2024, as stated on the website of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine. However, the artifact is currently on display at the Museum of the History of Kyiv, although the temporary storage agreement for the exhibit expired on March 15, 2024.

Despite repeated reminders from MIST, the Museum of the History of Kyiv has yet to return the exhibit from temporary storage. This has violated contractual obligations and the Museum Ethics Code, and has also created obstacles for the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in its educational and exhibition activities. As a result, legal action was necessary.

On October 15, the Commercial Court of Kyiv announced its decision during an open court session with the participation of representatives from both sides and a third party – the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine – ruling in favor of the claims made by the National Museum of the History of Ukraine. The key requirement is to obligate the Museum of the History of Kyiv to return the bas-relief "Archangel Michael."

The plaintiffs hope for the legal consciousness of their colleagues and timely, voluntary compliance with the court's decision, as well as the avoidance of further legal disputes. The National Museum of the History of Ukraine is even willing to assist their colleagues at the Museum of the History of Kyiv with the transportation and packaging of the exhibit.

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