Destroying Heritage: A Conflict Strategy
The deliberate destruction of cultural heritage is classified as a war crime under international law. Since February 24, 2022, Ukraine has endured targeted attacks on its cultural landmarks, including symbols of national identity, cultural centres, schools, archives, and museums. UNESCO reports that 343 sites have been damaged, comprising 127 religious buildings, 31 museums, 151 historic structures, 19 monuments, 14 libraries, and one archive centre.
An exhibition project that is the result of close cooperation between the Polish National Institute of Cultural Heritage, the Director of cultural heritage for the Brussels region, Mr. Thierry Wauters, and the European Heritage Heads Forum (EHHF) secretariat has been set up at the Halles Saint-Géry, a historic building in the centre of Brussels.
The exhibition emphasises a critical but often overlooked aspect of warfare: the attack on cultural identity and diversity. Through these images, viewers are invited to reflect on the importance of preserving cultural heritage amidst conflict, reinforcing its role in shaping national identity and resilience.
Co-produced by the EHHF and Les Halles Saint-Géry, this exhibition was made possible through the efforts of the Polish National Institute of Cultural Heritage and the Polish Centre for Cultural Support in Ukraine.
The photographs were taken by:
- Marek Lemiesz (Poland): Archaeologist, National Institute of Cultural Heritage Director’s Representative on Protection of Cultural Heritage in Armed Conflicts. Since 2022, he has led the Ukrainian Heritage Rescue Project, focusing on inventorying wartime losses in Chernihiv and Kherson regions.
- Tomasz Grzywaczewski (Poland): Writer and journalist. Director of Erase the Nation, a documentary film showcasing the destruction of Ukrainian cultural heritage. Some of the exhibition’s photographs are taken from this film.
- Yurii Veres (Ukraine): Musician and photographer. Member of the band Kam’yaniy Gist, which now performs primarily for soldiers.
The European Heritage Heads Forum, established in 2006, is an informal network of national heritage directors from across Europe, specialising in built heritage, landscapes, and archaeology. The Forum meets annually to share expertise in cultural heritage management.
In 2024, the Polish National Institute of Cultural Heritage is leading the EHHF. Since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Institute has played a pivotal role in protecting Ukrainian cultural heritage, notably through the establishment of the Polish Support Centre for Culture in Ukraine.
Acknowledgements:
We extend our gratitude to Urban Brussels, Thierry Wauters; the EHHF, Juliette Toussaint; Halles Saint-Géry, Lucile de Calan, and Mario Rojas; the photographers Marek Lemiesz, Tomasz Grzywaczewski, and Yurii Veres; and the Polish National Institute for Cultural Heritage, Katarzyna Zalasińska, Aleksandra Brodowska, Adrianna Barłóg, Anna Śmigielska.
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