Vertep (Ukrainian Puppet Theater) and Ukrainian Christmas Traditions
December 1, 2013 – January 26, 2014

The Museum's Vertep, a traditional Ukrainian Christmas puppet theater, was designed by artist Slava Gerulak, who also created the puppets' ceramic heads. Yurii Kostiw built the theater structure, while members of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America (UNWLA) made the costumes. The Vertep project was produced by Branch 64 of the UNWLA. Our holiday display includes a reproduction of a woodcut by Jacques Hnizdovsky depicting the Ukrainian Christmas Eve supper (sviata vecheria), and examples of other Ukrainian Christmas traditions, including a Christmas tree with numerous hand-made ornaments.

About the Museum

The Ukrainian Museum acquires, preserves, and exhibits articles of artistic or historic significance to the rich cultural heritage of Ukrainian Americans; its collections include thousands of items of folk art, fine art, and archival material. At its founding in 1976 by the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, the Museum was hailed as one of the finest achievements of Americans of Ukrainian descent. Since then, and particularly since its move in 2005 to a new, state-of-the-art building in Manhattan’s vibrant East Village, it has become known as one of the most interesting and dynamic smaller museums in New York City. Each year, the Museum organizes several exhibitions, publishes bilingual (English/Ukrainian) catalogues, and presents a wide range of public and educational programs, including concerts, films, lectures, courses, workshops, and special events.

* * *

The Ukrainian Museum
222 East 6th Street (between Second and Third Avenues)
New York, NY 10003
T: 212.228.0110
F: 212.228.1947
info@ukrainianmuseum.org
www.ukrainianmuseum.org

Museum hours:
Wednesday–Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Gift Shop * guided tours * school and family programs * reduced admission for students and seniors