Central State Film, Photo and Phono Archive of Ukraine, National audiovisual archive in Kyiv, Ukraine
The Central State Film, Photo and Phono Archive of Ukraine preserves more than 460,000 documents including films, photographs, and audio recordings spanning different decades. The collection contains footage of street scenes, industrial sites, historical events, and personal moments that together form a detailed record of Ukrainian society.
The archive was founded in 1932 as the All-Ukrainian Center of Photo and Film Archives and went through several name changes before receiving its current designation in 1998. The institution has served as a central collecting point for audiovisual documents from across the region since its establishment.
The collections preserve recordings of festivals, celebrations, and everyday events that show how people in different regions lived and marked important occasions. These materials offer insight into local customs, dress, and social practices that evolved across generations.
The archive has a cataloging system with descriptions and notes about the contents that helps researchers navigate the materials. Visitors should plan ahead and check opening hours and access guidelines, as not all materials may be available to the public at all times.
The collection holds the earliest known film footage of Ukraine, including scenes from the coronation of Nicholas II in 1896 and the Poltava Battle bicentennial in 1909. These rare recordings show the country during a time when filmmaking was still in its infancy.
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