Known locally as ‘Brezhnev’s Daughter’ the Motherland Monument is a giant titanium statue that celebrates the Soviet Union’s victory over the Nazi Germany. 62m high and visible from various points around Kiev, it is the city’s most distinctive feature.
The Museum of the Great Patriotic War lies at its base and honours the Ukrainian soldiers that defended Kiev during World War II.
Map
Map showing location of Motherland Monument (Rodina Mat) & Museum of the Great Patriotic War.
Click here for a detailed map showing all points of interest.
Details
Motherland Monument (Rodina Mat) & Museum of the Great Patriotic War
Trevor B says
This was a very interesting place to visit. You can see the statue for miles from all over Kiev but it is best to visit because there is also a museum and lots of other things to see.
The grounds are free to enter but you need to pay to visit the museum at the base of the statue. I can’t remember how much it was but it was cheap. There is plenty to see within the museum and there were explanations available in English (unlike many of the other museums I visited in Kiev). It is possible to go to the top of the statue but they wanted an extra 200 UAH for that so we declined.
In the grounds there is also a separate display of military vehicles (tanks mainly) but there’s also a MiG fighter and some other warplanes.
Frank says
This is a great place to visit when you are in Kiev. The statue itself is an amazing site. The museum is interesting too. I really didn’t realise how much the Ukrainians suffered during WWII. The outdoor military vehicle museum is worth a look too. Admission prices were very cheap. Can’t remember how much exactly but it was the equivalent of a dollar or so.
Veronica says
I’m planning to visit this place. It looks amazing. What other places would you suggest are ‘must visits’? I’ve got 5 days.
Editor says
A trip to Chernobyl is a must if you’ve got the budget. Others could include the Lavra, Andrew’s Descent, and Pirogovo.
Camille says
Hi.
I want to visit the monument.
Can you please guide me how I can go there from the city?
Thank you!
Editor says
The easiest way to get there (without getting confused) is to get on the Metro and go to Arsenalna Metro Station. Come out of the station and turn left and start walking. Eventually you’ll pass the Caves Monastery (well worth visiting). The Motherland Monument is a little further on.
Clutz Cloete says
I totally agree with all the comments published and this is truly and monument of note. I have experienced it first hand on Victory Day 09/05/13. I was totally and utterly flabbergasted on my round about walk. I would recommend anyone to visit Kiev and if possible be here on Victory Day. It’s magnificent. I feel honoured to have been here and people do yourselves a favour. Visit Ukraine, it’s a beautiful country.
This is my 3rd visit. 1st was September 2012 (late Autumn), 2nd was in mid January 2013 (Winter, cold and beautiful) and now arrived here on the 3rd May. Absolutely a must!
Melissa Moody says
I went to Ukraine in 2002, and this was the most impressive monument I saw. It is so huge and powerful. Seeing that Motherland Monument was the moment I felt like I was in a former Soviet country. I was totally blown away by it. I highly recommend it.
Editor says
Glad you liked it. I agree it is pretty impressive. On my first trip to Kiev I remember seeing it from a distance as I drove from the airport to the city and just gasping at the sheer size of it. I was also thinking why I had never even heard of it. I mean we’ve all seen the Statue of Liberty thousands of times on TV, newspapers, magazines etc. But I never even knew this existed. It’s far more impressive too, I think.
Lozza says
This was definitely my highlight to Kiev. It wasn’t a expensive tourist trap either. You can get really emotional with all the relics and artifacts they have on display in the museum. It has 3 floors so give yourself time to go through it all. Even though everything was in Russian they have 1 x A4 laminated sheets for the room you enter. Its not much but its Ukraine so its better than nothing at all. The entrance price does not allow photos. You have to pay extra on another ticket if you want to take photos, which is very typical of Kiev.
If you were somehow visiting Ukraine put this in for a visit, I thought it was great.
Editor says
I agree. The extra charge for photographs at some of the tourist attractions in Kiev is a real pain. Having said that, the entrance prices for most attractions are cheaper than in other countries.
Paulus says
I’ve just returned from Kiev, having seen this monument. I’m not normally into touristy stuff, but this was absolutely incredible. ‘Huge’ does not do it justice – and the sculptures surrounding the monument are stunning. My number one recommendation if you’re visiting Kiev – however briefly.
neil says
This is a most fantastic area to visit. Put it near the top of your itinerary.