On 29 May 2026, the official opening of the exhibition “Dressed in Identity: Ukrainian Folk Costumes of the Late 19th and 20th Centuries” took place at the Slovene Ethnographic Museum in Ljubljana.
For Ukrainians, the vyshyvanka and traditional folk costume are far more than clothing. They embody the memory of generations, the history of a nation, its cultural code, and a living heritage passed down from one generation to the next. Through colours, ornaments and symbols, Ukrainian traditional dress tells stories of origin, family, faith, love and dignity.
The exhibition presents the richness of Ukraine’s cultural heritage and introduces Slovenian audiences to the traditions, regional diversity and symbolism of Ukrainian folk costume. It is the result of close cooperation between Ukrainian and Slovenian partners united by a shared commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
We sincerely thank the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for supporting this project and for the opportunity to present Ukrainian culture to the friendly Slovenian people.
Our gratitude goes to Blaž Verbič, Director of the Slovene Ethnographic Museum, and the entire museum team for their professionalism, openness and invaluable contribution to the preparation of the exhibition.
Special thanks to Mykhailo Zakopets, Director of the Klymentiy Sheptytsky Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life in Lviv, and the museum team, whose work made these unique examples of Ukrainian traditional dress accessible to visitors in Slovenia.
We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Nataliia Kholod — collector, initiator and co-curator of the exhibition — whose work in preserving, researching and presenting Ukrainian traditional clothing from her private collection contributes significantly to the promotion of Ukrainian cultural heritage across Europe.
Our thanks also go to Anna Shapoval, Mariia Razheva, Yuliia Hloba and Yuliia Pate for creating the wonderful atmosphere of the opening ceremony.
At a time when Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine and seeks to destroy not only Ukrainian cities but also Ukrainian identity, cultural projects such as this take on special importance. They help preserve historical memory, tell Ukraine’s story to the world and strengthen international cultural cooperation. 🇺🇦
We sincerely thank everyone who joined us for the opening and shared this special evening with us.
If you were unable to attend the opening, the exhibition will remain on view until 27 September 2026, giving visitors plenty of time to experience it.
The exhibition will also host workshops for children, teenagers and adults dedicated to Ukrainian traditions and cultural heritage. Follow our page for updates and upcoming events!
We warmly invite you to discover the beauty, symbolism and centuries-old traditions of Ukrainian folk costume!
Photo: Slovene Ethnographic Museum / Jasna Pinter