Shevchenko Museum Grand Opening

Toronto - On October 20, 2019, the Shevchenko Museum will open at its new location at 1604 Bloor Street West, Toronto.

The newly renovated storefront introduces the neighbourhood to Taras Shevchenko (1814-1861), poet and visionary, talented artist, and champion of peoples’ freedom. Considered the father of the modern Ukrainian language, he has twice been celebrated as a cultural leader by UNESCO.

The exhibits feature Shevchenko’s writing and the works it inspired. The Museum’s permanent collection will be remounted in the new space and books and papers will be accessible in the library. Wood carvings, embroideries, tapestries and pottery will be shown to best effect, as will the changing galleries which will be programmed throughout the year. Many of the artefacts in the collection recall the contributions of Canadians of Ukrainian descent to Canadian social, economic and cultural life.

The main space can seat up to 60 guests for art, literature, music, dance, film, food and family gatherings and will be made available to the community for private functions. Artists or arts programs in the community should consider the creative space that will also be available for booking.

The building represents the best ideas for neighbourhood re-development, converting aging retail space into vibrant new life for the street and the community it serves. As a destination for the city’s arts and culture enthusiasts, the Shevchenko Museum is an inviting new stop on a growing list of specialised-collection museums in Toronto.

Over the coming years, the Museum will host Canadian speakers or artists of Ukrainian descent and serve the neighbourhood with a brilliant new community space.

We are pleased to invite the general public to the Museum’s opening, Sunday, October 20, 2019, at 1604 Bloor Street West, Toronto from 2:30 – 6 pm.

Although admission is free, donations are greatly appreciated.

For more information contact: tel: 416-534-8662 shevchenko.ca shevchenkomuseum@bellnet.ca

Background:

Shevchenko Museum, Library and Galleries

Toronto’s Shevchenko Museum, Gallery and Library’s purpose is to create a community space for exhibition, education, and entertainment based on the values of Canadians of Ukrainian descent and their neighbours. It is a centre dedicated to Canada's shared values of respect, equality, fairness and openness, and to support of Canada's mandate for diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

The Museum’s permanent gallery, library and changing display areas will offer an environment for academic research, exhibition of new works, and community space for arts programming, lectures, friendly gatherings, and private events.

In the collection, there is a wide-ranging selection of artefacts including professional reproductions of various genres of Taras Shevchenko’s art, Ukrainian decorative handicrafts, pioneer implements and tools, posters, and more, each with a story to tell.

The extensive Shevchenkiana research library with over 1200 volumes features copies of his original poetry and prose, contemporary academic publications, books reflecting the history of his time, and works celebrating his genius.

Toronto's Shevchenko Museum, located at 1604 Bloor Street West, strives to accommodate all visitors with English or Ukrainian language notations and guided tours. The Museum is updated with wheelchair accessibility and conveniences including an elevator. The Museum is open to the public and by appointment.

Address:

1604 Bloor Street West (East of Keele), Toronto, ON M6P 1A7 Public Transit: 1604 Bloor Street West is conveniently located just 300m from Dundas West Subway station, walking on the North side of Bloor just West of Dundas.

Parking:

Street parking is available on Bloor Street West with restricted hours. Please consult the posted signs when parking. There is a municipal parking lot within short walking distance.

Hours: Mon - Sat: 10 am - 4 pm, Thurs: 12 - 7 pm.