The Ukrainian Nuclear Society Joined the Art and Technology Exhibition “Chornobyl. 40 Years Later. A Story That Obligates”

On 24 April, the official opening of a large-scale educational project dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl accident took place in Kyiv. The exhibition, “Chornobyl. 40 Years Later. A Story That Obligates,” was organized by the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management (SAUEZM) with the support of international partners.

The Ukrainian Nuclear Society and the Energy Safety Institute joined the initiative as communication and information partners.

The event brought together representatives of state authorities, international partners, and the scientific community. The opening ceremony was attended by the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister of Energy of Ukraine, heads of relevant committees of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Director General of the State Specialized Enterprise “Chornobyl NPP,” and other distinguished guests.

The exhibition is designed as a journey through time and is divided into three thematic halls. In the hall “The Light That Never Went Out,” visitors are immersed in the past through artefacts from Prypiat and memorials dedicated to the liquidators. The present-day hall, “The Light That Works,” showcases the operation of the Shelter Object, the New Safe Confinement, and current challenges to nuclear safety. The final section, “The Light of the Future,” is dedicated to advanced emergency response technologies, robotics, and scientific visualizations that help foster a safety culture for future generations.

On 25 April, the exhibition opened its doors to the wider public. The first day of public visits was marked by particular interest: hundreds of guests came to hear first-hand testimonies and see unique exhibits.
Special attention within the exhibition programme was given to a rich open lecture programme held on 25 April. The sessions focused both on practical aspects of safety and on an in-depth scientific analysis of the consequences of the accident and the future of nuclear energy. Among the key events of the lecture programme were presentations by Volodymyr Kholosha, President of the Ukrainian Nuclear Society, and Anatolii Nosovskyi, Vice President for Scientific and Technical Development and Director of the Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

Anatolii Nosovskyi focused on the analysis of the events of 1986 and the importance of a scientific approach to developing strategies for the sector’s progress in the coming decades. Volodymyr Kholosha delivered a presentation titled “Radiological Consequences of the Chornobyl NPP Accident in Ukraine.” His lecture made an important contribution to understanding the long-term impact of the disaster on the environment and public health, while emphasizing the role of the professional community in addressing these challenges.

In addition, the programme included practical and environmental sessions. Specialists from the Energoatom Training Centre conducted basic life support training using an automated external defibrillator. Energoatom specialists presented an algorithm for response in the event of a nuclear or radiation accident at Ukrainian NPPs. Representatives of Ukratomprylad Corporation spoke about the complex processes involved in restoring the ecosystem of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.

The second day of public visits demonstrated strong public interest, especially among young people. Over two days of the exhibition, on 25–26 April, the venue welcomed more than 3,000 visitors.
The exhibition will remain open additionally from 27 April to 3 May inclusive. Admission is free. Opening hours: 10:00–19:00.

Venue: Toronto-Kyiv Complex, entrance from 81 Antonovycha Street, Tower C, Kyiv.

As an information partner, we are pleased to see such strong public engagement, as it is through education and knowledge that we build a safer future for Ukraine’s energy sector.