Maman, Maman (1969)
Kyiv has it's very own - and larger - Statue of Liberty - except it's viewed locally as perhaps more a symbol of Soviet domination. In a city that is destroying its Soviet past as fast as possible, her shield still has the emblem of the Soviet Union and there's a local debate on whether the shield should remain (to save costs), be adapted or whether the whole thing should come down. Consequently this is not the most popular destination with people from Kyiv, but if you are only coming once then it's a shame to miss the views.
The Mother of the Motherland statue http://www.warmuseum.kiev.ua/_eng/museum/monument/index.html was built in the early 1980s out of titanium, steel and concrete.
You can go up her at weekends for a great view of the city. There are two stages. You can travel up to the base of her skirt, or for a higher fee travel all the way up to the viewing platform in the shield. Both involve lifts and steep stairs. This video shows you how you get to the top: https://medium.com/@UATV_English/taking-a-tour-of-the-mother-motherland-statue-in-kyiv-b366b3f4b73b Scary stuff!
TIP: The access is not obvious. Walk up all the stairs until you reach a circular room with Soviet mosaics.
There are only three pieces of furniture in this massive space. Hand your ticket to the person sitting at them. She will then pick up a red 1980s phone and call a man who will come and accompany you to the top. You may need to wait for 5-10 minutes for a security man to arrive. The lift is inside what looks like a cupboard behind the attendant's seat. The lift goes up on an angle, and consequently bumps against the sides of the shaft as it rises. For thrill seekers this will probably add to the experience.
The view from the base of the statue is worth the trip. You can look out both up the river and at the old monastery complexes.
If you live in Kyiv, what's your favourite view of the city?
Mum squared
KYIV DESTINATION: Mother of the Motherland statue
Kyiv has it's very own - and larger - Statue of Liberty - except it's viewed locally as perhaps more a symbol of Soviet domination. In a city that is destroying its Soviet past as fast as possible, her shield still has the emblem of the Soviet Union and there's a local debate on whether the shield should remain (to save costs), be adapted or whether the whole thing should come down. Consequently this is not the most popular destination with people from Kyiv, but if you are only coming once then it's a shame to miss the views.
The Mother of the Motherland statue http://www.warmuseum.kiev.ua/_eng/museum/monument/index.html was built in the early 1980s out of titanium, steel and concrete.
You can go up her at weekends for a great view of the city. There are two stages. You can travel up to the base of her skirt, or for a higher fee travel all the way up to the viewing platform in the shield. Both involve lifts and steep stairs. This video shows you how you get to the top: https://medium.com/@UATV_English/taking-a-tour-of-the-mother-motherland-statue-in-kyiv-b366b3f4b73b Scary stuff!
TIP: The access is not obvious. Walk up all the stairs until you reach a circular room with Soviet mosaics.
There are only three pieces of furniture in this massive space. Hand your ticket to the person sitting at them. She will then pick up a red 1980s phone and call a man who will come and accompany you to the top. You may need to wait for 5-10 minutes for a security man to arrive. The lift is inside what looks like a cupboard behind the attendant's seat. The lift goes up on an angle, and consequently bumps against the sides of the shaft as it rises. For thrill seekers this will probably add to the experience.
The view from the base of the statue is worth the trip. You can look out both up the river and at the old monastery complexes.
If you live in Kyiv, what's your favourite view of the city?
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