Kharkiv Art Museum on fire after Russian drone strike. Paintings rescued from fire and water
On the afternoon of June 14, a Russian drone attacked the building of the Kharkiv Art Museum, causing a severe fire. Rescuers and museum staff are forced to urgently evacuate historical canvases to storage to protect them from the flames and the effects of firefighting.
Evacuation of artworks from the museum. Photo: Suspilne Kharkiv
Ukrainian media reported the attack on the prominent cultural institution, citing city mayor Ihor Terekhov and the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Syniehubov.
According to preliminary information, there were no physical casualties or injuries as a result of the direct drone strike. However, several people were forced to seek medical attention due to acute stress reaction.
Firefighting at the museum building. Photo: Kharkiv Regional Military Administration
The main problem after the impact was the fire, which quickly engulfed the historic building in the center of Kharkiv. Besides the immediate threat of exhibits being destroyed by fire, there was a serious risk of irreversible damage from water during the work of firefighting teams.
To save the art treasures, city authorities organized a large-scale evacuation. Specialists from the emergency department, communal services, and museum staff themselves joined the operation.
Evacuation of artworks from the museum. Photo: Suspilne Kharkiv
Evacuation of artworks from the museum. Photo: Suspilne Kharkiv
Evacuation of artworks from the museum. Photo: Suspilne Kharkiv
Evacuation of artworks from the museum. Photo: Suspilne Kharkiv
As city mayor Ihor Terekhov, who worked at the scene, recounted, the situation demanded maximally radical and swift actions. To reach the paintings and promptly move them to a safe underground shelter, rescuers had to break down doors in exhibition halls and storage areas.
Representatives of the local authorities emphasize that all efforts are now focused on preserving every canvas, as they are an invaluable part of Kharkiv's cultural memory.
Canvases damaged by fire. Photo: Suspilne Kharkiv
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