If you have been in the Shevchenko lane, near Independence Square, I’m sure that you have been surprised: how among the metropolitan multiplicity, glass bank buildings, Kiev "skyscrapers", trendy shops and expensive cafes survived this colorful house of the first half of the nineteenth century (which is the face of contemporary city!)?! You should be surprised by the fact of its existence in the centre of Kyiv. Kyiv citizens know that this is particular building – this building saw Shevchenko, heard his voice. Homestead is one of the three Shevchenko’s museums in the capital of Ukraine. It reproduced the atmosphere of the 1846-47, when Shevchenko lived in Kiev until he was arrested in the case of Cyril and Methodius association.
To touch at least for a moment to the history and life of the great poet in our city, during the celebration of the 200th anniversary the student – linguists of "KPI" visited Shevchenko’s dwelling on the “Kozyne boloto”, how previously called this place.
Students liked it: cozy, pleasant atmosphere, professional guides, interesting exhibits, poet’s memorabilia. It's nice that the current exhibition, developed in the early 90s of last century, does not contain unnecessary gloss and ideological clichés associated with the figure of Shevchenko. In the yard - "cherry’s flowering" – one manor garden that survived in downtown.
Students listened with interest a story about being inspired Shevchenko in Ukraine, his address in Kyiv, the circle of acquaintances and friends, saw Shevchenko drawings and etchings, listening to his poetry. Of course, the special atmosphere of the presence of the artist retains the studio in the attic. There are many engraving accessories: cutting, which made etchings, rich set of drawing, and also some artistic implements. Also in the studio is the original folding chair in oak legs covered with burlap, and sketchbook, paint, handmade charcoal pencil, brush – in one word, there are everything what Shevchenko needed for sketches.
With pleasure watched a film project by Yury Makarov "My Shevchenko."
Finally students reviewed the guest book and marked the note of Lina Kostenko, "Today and always bow to this house, where the brushes still retain the touch of Shevchenko’s hand."
A.F.Nechyporenko, Associate Professor of Ukrainian language, literature and culture of the FL