For the first time in history, Ukrainian cultural heritage is presented in one of the world’s leading museums — The Royal Armories in London. From July 18 to August 3, 2025, the saber of Hetman Ivan Mazepa from the end of the 17th century will be exhibited there. About this informs Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications.
The project was implemented by the efforts of the public organization UKRAINE WOW together with The Royal Armouries, the Chernihiv Regional History Museum named after Vasyl Tarnovsky, as well as with the participation of the security company Ajax Systems.
“We are proud to present a unique historical artifact in one of the oldest museums in the world. Such an event is an opportunity to talk again and again about Ukrainian culture and heritage, outstanding figures of the past. For centuries, Russia tried to slander the name of Hetman Mazepa. Today he will receive well-deserved recognition: as a hero who fought for the country’s sovereignty and freedom. We thank the United Kingdom, the Tower of London and The Royal Armories for supporting the initiative.” — said the co-founders of UKRAINE WOW Yaroslava Gres and Yuliya Solovei.
The Royal Armory is one of the oldest museums on the planet, which preserves the national collection of weapons and armor, formed over seven centuries. A large part of the exhibition is presented in the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which attracts more than three million visitors every year. It is here, in the oldest part of the Tower, the White Tower, built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, that the saber of Hetman Mazepa from Chernihiv is placed.
“The exhibition of Mazepa’s saber is a rare opportunity to see a historical artifact associated with one of the main statesmen and warriors of Ukraine, who was well known in Europe as well. Mazepa’s saber gained symbolic significance when world heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk raised it above his head in the ring after his victory over Tyson Fury in 2024. It demonstrates the power that objects can have in shaping national identity and resilience. We are honored to present this relic alongside the collection of the Royal Armories at the Tower of London ahead of Usyk’s world title defense against Daniel Dubois on July 19.”, – emphasized the CEO of The Royal Armories, Nat Edwards.
Historians Serhiy Plokhiy and Oleksiy Sokyrko participated in the creation of the exhibition, who presented Mazepa as a warrior, diplomat and patron. His image inspired such artists as Victor Hugo, George Byron, Eugène Delacroix, Théodore Géricault, Ferenc Liszt and many others who dedicated their works to him. The protection of Ukrainian relics in the Tower is provided by devices from Ajax Systems — the largest manufacturer of security systems in Europe, which acts as a security partner of the project.
