ARMA will transfer 149 Medvedchuk paintings to the National Art Museum

ARMA will transfer 149 Medvedchuk paintings to the National Art Museum

The National Agency for the Detection and Management of Assets is initiating the transfer of 149 seized artworks belonging to the family of Viktor Medvedchuk to the National Art Museum of Ukraine.

As reported by ARMA, this concerns paintings, icons, and other works recognized as cultural value as a result of an expert assessment conducted in 2024 by museum professionals at the initiative of the National Agency. Among the authors are classics of the Transcarpathian school: Yosyp Bokshay, Havrylo Hlyuck, Adalbert Erdeli.

"This transfer became possible thanks to amendments to the Law of Ukraine ’On ARMA,’ which came into force on July 30, 2025. Now the agency can transfer assets that have cultural value to state museums, libraries, reserves, and archives without a competitive procedure — by decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

ARMA has already approached the Government with the relevant initiative — according to Article 21-1 of the Law," the statement reads.

Earlier, 285 paintings from Medvedchuk’s collection were seized by a decision of the investigative judge of the Pechersk District Court of Kyiv. The agency initiated an examination of the assets to determine their artistic and historical value. 149 works were recognized as part of the national heritage.

"ARMA consistently upholds the principle: seized, but valuable for Ukraine — should serve society. Culture is not a trophy. It should be in museums, not in private collections of individuals suspected of crimes against the state," noted the asset search and management agency.