Nova Kakhovka can be understood through distinct cultural themes: its history spans the former village of Klyuchove and the period when the city was built; in the historic centre, ornamental architecture adds another dimension. The art collection and routes for exploring the city complement these perspectives. Those choosing the city for a short cultural stay can thus distinguish between local history, visual art and a themed exploration.
Ornamental Art in the Historic Centre
More than 50 ornamental panels created by Hryhor Dovzhenko using his own technique of carving into wet plaster adorned 80 two-storey buildings in the historic centre. The distinctive carving technique makes the worked material a tangible aspect of the craftsmanship; at the same time, the heritage designation draws attention to the centre as a whole urban ensemble. The façade ornaments of the old town are regarded as a valuable legacy of the students of the “Boichukist School”. In 2017, the “stone embroideries” and the entire historic centre were granted the status of an urban monument of local significance.
Tourist Route No. 7707, “Stone Embroideries”, is 2 km long; the excursion takes one hour. The excursion route and eco-educational trail “City of a Thousand Springs” also offer a way to explore Nova Kakhovka. For planning purposes, the two route options differ in that the first has a specific time frame, while the second focuses on an eco-educational trail.
City History Between Settlement and Construction
On 22 January 1985, the Executive Committee of the City Council decided to establish a city history museum on a voluntary basis; the museum opened to visitors on 6 June 1990. The dates mark different steps: the first is the date of the decision, the second the opening, just over five years later. This distinguishes the founding decision from the actual opening to visitors.
Part of the exhibition is devoted to the former village of Klyuchove, on the site of which Nova Kakhovka was built. One hall preserves materials from the construction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, the North Crimean Canal and the city. The exhibition thus connects two periods: the settlement that stood here before the city was built and the construction history of the later city.
Art Collection and Cultural Venues
The A. S. Havdzynsky Municipal Art Gallery has a different focus. Its collection comprises 1,039 exhibits spanning painting, graphic art, sculpture, decorative and applied arts, and photography; this total may change. Among them are 297 paintings and graphic works by A. S. Havdzynsky. He donated 237 of these to the city in 1961. The collection also includes a body of illustrations by the Ukrainian People’s Artist V. H. Lytvynenko. The 1961 donation provides a specific historical reference point within the art collection.
By contrast, the city history museum focuses on the formation of the locality and construction projects, while the gallery brings together artists, works and art forms. The Palace of Culture is also part of the city’s cultural history: the public building was put into operation in 1953. Before visiting, check current access to the routes and cultural venues.
Discover more destinations: Khorly, Kherson, Kakhovka, Skadovsk, Ukrainka, Shchaslyvtseve, Lazurne, Lyubymivka.
For the regional travel overview: Kherson Oblast.
