First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska addressed the participants of the 19th International Architecture Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia, where the Ukrainian Pavilion features the exhibition DAKH: Vernacular Hardcore.
The President’s wife emphasized the symbolism and urgency of this year’s theme for the Ukrainian pavilion.
“We say ‘a roof over our heads’ when we mean home, coziness, safety. But all of that is being taken from us by every Russian missile strike. Over 300,000 homes of Ukrainians have already been physically destroyed. Millions more are inaccessible to their residents due to occupation. Our education and culture are also losing their roof: Russian bombs have already destroyed over 4,000 educational institutions, including three universities, 1,419 cultural heritage landmarks, and 2,233 cultural infrastructure sites,” she said.
The DAKH: Vernacular Hardcore project showcases Ukrainian vernacular architecture and highlights modern independent initiatives working to restore homes destroyed by enemy attacks.
“It is symbolic that our pavilion is opening in Italy two months before the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025) to be held in Rome. We deeply appreciate the contributions of Italian experts, architects, restorers, and cultural figures in preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage. After all, who, if not Italy – the cradle of European culture – understands how difficult, yet crucial, it is to preserve civilization and heritage,” the First Lady noted.
Olena Zelenska expressed gratitude to the curators and organizers of the exhibition, as well as to Italy and the entire Italian people for their support of Ukraine.