KOSIV BAZAAR. A Living Archive of the Carpathians
Presented by the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch
September 5, 2025 to March 2026
There is a place in the west of Ukraine, in the Carpathian Mountains, where magic happens. Known as the Kosiv Bazaar, it is here that the imagination is sparked, creativity flows and the world meets.
Kosiv Bazaar • A Living Archive of the Carpathians is an exhibition drawn from the collection of Leonard Krawchuk, inspired by the unique phenomenon of the Hutsul bazaar in Kosiv — a place where, for centuries, craft, community, and the beauty of everyday life have intersected. The Kosiv Bazaar is more than just a market – it is living memory, cultural force, and a space of gathering.
This exhibition presents Kosiv ceramics (inscribed in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2019), woodwork, brassware, and “all the small things” that make up the spirit of the bazaar. Through the artistry of renowned master artisans, the exhibition explores themes of sustainable craft, inherited knowledge, local economy, and culture. From a clay pot to a woven towel, from the shouts of sellers to quiet conversations between the stalls — every object preserves traces of exchanged stories, shared goods, and collective memory.
We invite you to experience an exhibition where trade becomes culture, and the bazaar becomes a living metaphor for community. Guest Curator: Myroslava Boikiv
Since 1944, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch has brought Ukrainian culture and stories to life for Canadians – connecting generations and communities through engaging exhibitions and shared heritage. The Museum houses an extraordinary collection of over 8,000 artifacts celebrating the richness of Ukrainian cultural heritage. From intricately embroidered textiles and traditional pysanky to hand-carved woodwork, ceramics, and sacred objects, each piece tells a story of artistry, identity, and enduring tradition.
Our mission is to collect, preserve, celebrate, and share Ukrainian culture through compelling storytelling, dynamic exhibitions, educational programs, research, and community engagement. The Museum is located at St. Volodymyr Institute, 620 Spadina Avenue in downtown Toronto. Admission is by donation. www.umcontario.com
