Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village- Supplied image
EDMONTON — The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is set to reopen to visitors over the May long weekend, one year after a fire destroyed its main visitor centre.
Alberta’s government says the site will welcome the public again starting May 16, marking a key step in recovery efforts following the April 2025 blaze.
“The UCHV holds a deeply meaningful place in Alberta’s history and in the hearts of the Ukrainian community,” Arts, Culture and Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir said in a statement. “While fire recovery continues, we are proud to reopen the Village this May to ensure Albertans and visitors can continue to learn and celebrate Ukrainian culture and heritage.”
The open-air museum, located east of Edmonton, allows visitors to explore historic buildings, take part in cultural programming and learn about Ukrainian settlement in Alberta. Field trip bookings are now open for May and June, with major events, including Ukrainian Day in August, expected to return.
David Makowsky, director of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village branch, said the reopening reflects progress made since the fire.
“Alberta’s government has been instrumental in supporting the restoration of the UCHV,” Makowsky said. “Their efforts have made it possible to welcome visitors back just a year later, ensuring Alberta’s Ukrainian stories, traditions and history will continue to be shared and celebrated.”
While no historic structures were damaged in the fire, officials say the visitor centre was destroyed, along with artifacts, furnishings and research materials. Some items were preserved through digitization and off-site storage.
The province says cleanup and utility repairs have been underway through the winter, with construction of a new visitor centre expected to begin later this year.
Programming at the site resumed in part last fall, with nearly 1,500 students visiting since November.
“As parliamentary secretary for Ukrainian evacuees, I recognize how vital places like the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village are to preserving identity and culture,” said Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk. “I am happy to hear that the Village will be reopening to visitors on May 16.”
Officials say the site will operate Wednesday through Sunday, along with holiday Mondays, until Labour Day, with a temporary visitor centre set up in the Silska Domiwka, also known as the Red Barn.
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