The National Museum of the Great Patriotic War is one of the largest memorial complexes in the former Soviet Union. The main exhibition is devoted to the history of the Second War, features 17,000 exhibits, and was established in 1974.
(These cumbersome, homemade boots belonged to a German soldier. He and his fellow soldiers were wearing light clothes that were not fit for winter in the Soviet Union. But they made do and defended themselves from as cold as best they could)
This memorial is famous for the amazing 120-meter-tall monument "Mother Motherland" that rises above the museum. Installed on one of the highest points in Kiev, it is said this monument is visible from almost any part of the city. Inside of the monument, which weighs 450 tons, you will find one vertical lift, one slanted lift, and ladders that lead you to the observation platform.
Back on the ground there are open areas which display military equipment from the Second World War, plus a variety of related sculptural compositions.
(On the ceiling in one of the museum halls you will
see the Order of Victory, a medallion five meters in diameter)
The museum is located near the subway Arsenalna. Entrance fee is about $2.00
