Kyiv Artist Builds Museum from War Debris

Ukrainian street artist Maxim Kilderov has curated a profound collection of battlefield artifacts, creating an unofficial testament to Russia's ongoing invasion. Housed in a Kyiv basement, this unconventional museum showcases a grim array of items, from rocket launch tubes and captured uniforms to personal diaries and military patches.

Kilderov, who endured 55 days of Russian occupation in Nova Kakhovka, gathers these relics through military contacts and personal recovery efforts. His goal is to create an immersive experience, compelling visitors to confront the emotional weight of war rather than passively observing exhibits. The collection includes poignant items like a shrapnel-pierced smartphone that saved a soldier's life and drawings by soldiers.

As Ukraine faces its fourth winter of war, Kilderov expresses concern over fading societal unity. He uses his art, including a significant painting titled "55" and rocket tubes converted into functional art, to raise funds for military units and preserve the raw reality of the conflict. His unique museum serves as a powerful reminder of the conflict's human cost and the enduring spirit of resistance.