Project “Open Attic: Space for Memory, Dialogue, and Culture”

“Open Attic” is a cultural and social project that aims to transform the neglected attic of the Zdolbuniv Local History Museum into an open, modern, and accessible space for dialogue, creativity, and the preservation of historical memory. We want this place, which remembers the repressions of the 20th century, to become a space of strength, support, reflection, and community interaction.

Project “Open Attic: Space for Memory, Dialogue, and Culture”

New public space at the Zdolbuniv Local History Museum

What is an “open attic”?

“Open Attic” is a cultural and social project that aims to transform the neglected attic of the Zdolbuniv Local History Museum into an open, modern, and accessible space for dialogue, creativity, and the preservation of historical memory. We want this place, which remembers the repressions of the 20th century, to become a space of strength, support, reflection, and community interaction.

Why is this important?

The museum building is a historic structure from the early 20th century, which was used at various times as a police headquarters by the Polish, Soviet, and Nazi regimes. This space has a traumatic history, and it is important to reflect on and discuss it. Today, when war and repression by Russia are once again bringing human rights and historical memory to the forefront, we are creating a place that:

-helps to shape a new culture of remembrance;

-gives a voice to those who suffered from repression;

-becomes a platform for reflecting on the past and shaping the future;

-strengthens the community through a shared cultural space.

What will be in the “Open Attic” space?

The project involves the arrangement of over 200 m² of space, divided into several thematic areas:

🔶 Exhibition area “Room after a search”

An installation that conveys the atmosphere of anxiety and loss after a search in the family. Here, visitors will be able to see household items, photos, and archival materials that tell the story of historical repression.

🔶 Open museum collections

A space for displaying museum exhibits in an open format, with the ability to view artifacts both physically and via digital panels.

🔶 Podcast and video studio

An area for recording interviews, stories, and documentary videos. Here, you will hear the voices of researchers, veterans, displaced persons, and national communities.

🔶 Open library and reading area

A place with books on totalitarianism, history, and human rights culture. This is a space for reading, self-education, and public meetings.

🔶 Event space

Lectures, exhibitions, film screenings, trainings, master classes — researchers, artists, educators, and activists will work here.

🔶 Digitization studio

Equipment for scanning family archives, photos, and documents, which will allow the history of the Zdolbuniv region to be preserved in digital format.

🔶 Mini-kitchen and relaxation area

A place for informal communication, coffee meetings, and relaxation.

How is the project financed?

💰 Project budget: 254,407 UAH

Main expenses:

electrical equipment — 38,150 UAH

air conditioners — 184,198 UAH

furniture — 21,160 UAH

scanner — 10,899 UAH

What has already been done?

- Project concept and visualization developed

- Partnerships agreed and support secured