Chernobyl Museum Kiev

At 1:23am on 26th April 1986 around 100km north of Kiev, the number 4 reactor of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded sending a cloud of radioactive particles into the air. Just one man died in the initial explosion but over time, it is believed up to 500,000 people have died from the effects of radiation after the explosion.

The story of that tragic day is told at the Chernobyl Museum in Kiev which not only affected people in Ukraine but also Belarus, parts of the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. As well as explaining the cause of the explosion and its terrible consequences, the Chernobyl museum also has a number of personal items from people who worked at the plant as well as pilots and firemen who helped contain the radiation and seal the reactor. There are photographs of the power plant and the individuals involved in the containment and clean up operation.

The museum can be a little bit tricky to find. Take the metro (blue line) to Kontraktova Ploshchad and its is a couple of blocks away. The address is 1 Kharyvyj Pereulok and this road runs between Khoryva Street and Spaska Street. To the left of the entrance is a commemorative statue and to the right are a couple of rescue vehicles. Entrance to the museum is 2UAH and the hire of the audio commentary is an additional 5UAH. Languages available are English and German.

The tour round the museum takes about an hour and is well worth a visit whether you are planning an excursion out to Chernobyl or not. With a map of Kiev and bit of planning, a visit to the museum can easily be part of a day’s sightseeing around the city.