An interactive exhibition titled “That Day” has opened at Kyiv Central Railway Station, marking the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine's independence. The project, realized by the public organization Ukraine WOW with the support of the President of Ukraine, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Ukrzaliznytsia (the state railway company), turns a historical retrospective into an immersive experience: visitors do not merely observe the exhibits but become active participants in the events that shaped the country's destiny. A team of more than 300 people worked on creating the exhibition, and all profits from ticket sales will be directed to the support of Ukrainian museums.
Three Blocks and One Day That Changed Everything
The exhibition is structured in three parts: “Choice,” “What Defines Us,” and “Dream.” Each block reveals a particular aspect of Ukraine's journey from the adoption of the Act on State Sovereignty on August 24, 1991, to the present day. Thanks to VR headsets, visitors can step into the parliamentary session hall and the President's office, raise the Ukrainian flag over the dome of the Verkhovna Rada in virtual reality, and see the starry sky over Kyiv exactly as it appeared on that very August evening of 1991. Separate interactive stations allow visitors to record their own news broadcast in a television or radio studio, sing songs of independence in a karaoke carriage, and leave a personal dream in the so-called “cloud of dreams.”
Historical Artifacts and Digital Art
A separate section of the exhibition is dedicated to authentic historical artifacts: the official symbols of the President of Ukraine's authority, Vladimir Zelensky's international awards, the Flag of Independence, as well as historical flags and attributes of authority dating back to the era of Rus and the period of the Ukrainian People's Republic. Alongside the physical exhibits, works by Ukrainian artists are presented, some of which have been rendered in the form of holograms and digital copies, allowing the fragile originals to be preserved while making the art accessible to a wide audience.
Protecting the Exhibits: Ajax Wireless Technologies
To ensure the preservation of the valuable artifacts, the organizers deployed wireless security devices from Ajax Systems, Europe's leading manufacturer of security systems. Sensors have been installed at the exhibition to monitor the placement and storage locations of the exhibits. A separate wireless LifeQuality Jeweller sensor is in operation, tracking temperature and humidity levels and capable of controlling air-conditioning systems to maintain optimal conditions in the room. “Cultural heritage is our history, which we must pass on to future generations. It is important that the unique artifacts associated with the key moments in Ukraine's formation remain safe. We are proud to be able to participate in this project and apply our technologies to the preservation of historical values,” commented Valentyn Hrytsenko. According to the company, Ajax products are trusted by more than 4.5 million end users and 330,000 PRO users in over 180 countries worldwide; Ajax's portfolio includes 280 devices for intrusion protection, video surveillance, fire safety, and automation.
Organizers, Partners, and Institutional Support
The project was initiated by the public organization Ukraine WOW, whose mission is to popularize Ukrainian culture on the world stage and within the country, bringing people together around Ukrainian “wows” and linking history with the latest technologies. The exhibition's institutional partners are the National Museum of the History of Ukraine, the National Art Museum of Ukraine, and the National Center of Folk Culture “Ivan Honchar Museum.” Financial support for the project was provided by a number of partner companies: Ajax Systems, ROZETKA, McDonald's, Bolt, “Darnytsia,” UPG, and ARS Capital. Each of these organizations made its own contribution — from technological support to logistical and marketing assistance.
Social Mission: Profits to the Museums
A special significance of the project lies in its social model: all profits from ticket sales for the “That Day” exhibition will be handed over to the support of Ukrainian museums. Thus, every visitor, by purchasing a ticket, directly contributes to the preservation and development of the country's museum fund. The exhibition at Kyiv Central Station, one of the capital's key transport hubs, ensures mass access to the exhibition for both city residents and passengers, greatly expanding the audience familiar with the key milestones of Ukraine's independence.
