Our Collections

The Shevchenko Museum is home to a substantial collection of art, books,  cultural artifacts, and pioneer tools and implements, representing early  Ukrainian immigration to Canada. These items are distributed throughout  the various galleries, exhibition spaces, and library, with the central focus  being on the life, art, and literary legacy of Taras Shevchenko. The  museum also houses specially-commissioned copies of Shevchenko's  paintings, produced by professional artists in Ukraine.

Among the holdings are various editions of Shevchenko’s Kobzar (a small  representation of the over 120 in the museum’s collection), and a philatelic collection honouring the poet.  

The extensive Shevchenkiana research library, with over 1400 volumes,  features copies of Shevchenko’s original poetry and prose; contemporary  academic publications; books reflecting the history of his time; and works  celebrating his genius. Donated by the Ukrainian collector Oleh Ovcharenko, a rare Shevchenkiana book collection constitutes a valuable  segment of the museum’s ever-expanding library and archive. 

Additionally, the museum has works of prominent Ukrainian artists and  holds exhibitions of their work, as well as that of contemporary Ukrainian Canadian artists.

Shevchenko Art

The Shevchenko Museum in Toronto owns a collection of copies of Shevchenko's art specially commissioned and produced by professional artists in Ukraine.

Fine Art

The Shevchenko Museum possesses an impressive collection of fine art by Ukrainian and Ukrainian-Canadian artists.

Stamps & Coin

In 2014, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Taras Shevchenko's birth, Canada Post printed a limited-edition Shevchenko stamp, commissioned by the Shevchenko Museum in Toronto.

Sculpture

Exhibited throughout the Shevchenko Museum are unique sculptural pieces. Among them are two sculptures of Taras Shevchenko by the prominent Ukrainian sculptor, Ivan Honchar.

Handicrafts

The museum's collection of Ukrainian handicrafts includes traditional textiles, ceramics, metalwork, decorative wooden artifacts, and an outstanding assortment of Ukrainian Easter eggs (pysanky).

Heritage

Four waves of Ukrainian immigration to Canada mark the origins in this country for what have been estimated to be over 1,200,000 Canadians of Ukrainian descent.

Library

The Museum’s ever-expanding library is an extensive and rich source of reference material of value to scholarly research and education and to the preservation of Ukrainian heritage.

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Musical Instruments

An integral part of the culture of the Ukrainian people, traditional musical instruments reflect the richness of the nation’s soul; its creativity and its high material and spiritual culture.