Museum and monument damaged by Russian shelling in Kherson

On October 1, Russian shrapnel damaged a howitzer monument in the square in front of the Kherson regional museum, as well as the museum building itself—a historical and architectural landmark from the early 20th century designated with the UNESCO “Blue Shield.”

A distinctive monument stands in the square before the museum: an M-30 122mm howitzer that dates back to World War II. For years, it has served as a symbol of Kherson’s liberation from Nazi German forces and a tribute to those who fought for peace.

This time, Russian shrapnel has scarred the veteran cannon. The weapon, which once symbolized victory over Nazism, is now riddled with Russian shrapnel.

The museum building—a historical and architectural landmark from the early 20th century bearing the UNESCO “Blue Shield” protection emblem—also sustained damage as a result of Russian shelling targeting nearby buildings.

It is noted that since 2022, the museum has been struck more than 35 times by various types of weaponry—incidents documented by museum staff and law enforcement.

The Kherson Regional Museum bears the “Blue Shield,” an international distinctive emblem. Such special markings certify that the site is a cultural asset entitled to special protection under international law. Two additional buildings belonging to the Kherson Regional Museum of Local Lore—the Literary Museum and the Museum of Nature—have been marked with the international “Blue Shield” emblem, signifying that they are protected under the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property.