Heating System Leak Floods Storage Areas at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Threatening Thousands of Artifacts

Kyiv Pecherska Lavra. Photo: rare-gallery.com

KYIV — An emergency incident has occurred at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, where part of Ukraine’s state museum collections are stored, according to information obtained by LIGA.net from an official letter by the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine. The historic monastery was formerly the residence of Metr. Onuphry and served as the headquarters of the Kyiv Metropolia of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) before being expelled by the state and transferred to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). 

The ministry reported that on February 5, 2026, a rupture in a water heating system occurred in the attic of Building No. 6, within the locally significant architectural monument known as the Kliroshan's Cells. The leak led to flooding on the first and second floors, where museum items from the “Negatives,” “Graphics,” and “Painting” collections of the Museum Fund of Ukraine are housed.

Approximately 4,000 exhibits were considered at risk. Most of the water affected the exterior surfaces of storage cabinets, and some localized plaster damage was recorded, though no structural elements were harmed. Following the incident, humidity levels rose to 90% on the second floor and up to 69% on the first floor, with indoor temperatures raising by about 40 degrees Fahrenheit — a significant threat to the safety of the collections.

Authorities say the reserve is implementing ongoing measures to mitigate the damage and stabilize storage conditions. Emergency drainage of the affected areas has begun using additional technical equipment. Damp artifacts have been relocated to safer spaces, while restorers and collection curators are conducting item-by-item inspections to assess damage and determine necessary conservation and restoration work.

Previously, the UOJ reported that "museum" staff had been seen desecrating relics of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

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