Zelenskyys Open Culture Garden

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska joined international first ladies and gentlemen on Aug. 25 for the opening of the Garden of Sophianity, an interactive cultural and educational space created for the Sixth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen.

The exhibition explores “Sophianity,” a concept developed by Ukrainian scholars to describe resilience and ways of responding to crisis. The term is included in the Global Vocabulary of Resilience alongside 37 other concepts and practices.

The space features exhibits highlighting Ukraine’s cultural heritage, including mosaics, glass icons, Hutsul candleholders, Yavoriv toys, traditional chests and contemporary wartime art. Other sections focus on Ukrainian folklore, hand block-printing, vytynanka paper cutting, regional scents and the country’s diverse ceramic traditions.

Zelenska described the garden as a metaphor for culture, saying heritage must be actively supported and passed between generations. The project was organized in partnership with the How Are You? national mental health program and Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture, with support from the Zagoriy Foundation.