Museum of Water: Kyiv's Hidden Water Adventure
May 22, 2025
I spent an entertaining 45 minutes exploring the unique water museum, with the interactive exhibits like standing inside a water bubble and meeting Vasily the yellow fish being the absolute highlights. The museum is easily accessible from Kyiv's city center, and it's an unexpected gem that transforms a boring topic like water infrastructure into a fun learning experience.
Tucked inside a 1980s water pump station, the Museum of Water turns urban infrastructure into a playground of discovery. Sit on giant toilets, meet a quirky yellow fish named Vasily, and uncover water's hidden stories in ways you never imagined.
Need-to-Know Info Before Visiting Museum of Water
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Museum of Water Address
Naberezhna Peremohy Street, Kyiv, Ukraine
Museum of Water Opening Hours
- 🕒 Tuesday-Sunday: 10 AM - 6 PM
- 🕒 Closed on Mondays
- 🕒 Last admission: 5:30 PM
How to get to Museum of Water
- 🚗 By car: Parking available near museum entrance
- 🚌 Public transport: Metro to Pochaina Station, then 10-minute walk
- 🚕 Rideshare: Uber and Bolt widely available in Kyiv
What is Museum of Water known for?
- Housed in a historic 1980s water pump station with interactive water-related exhibits
- Offers 45-minute guided tours in English about water systems and conservation
- Features unique interactive experiences like sitting on giant toilets and standing inside water bubbles
- Includes a playful children's area with educational water displays
- Showcases old water towers and reservoirs as part of the museum complex
What is Museum of Water in Kyiv?
Tucked away in Kyiv's urban landscape, the Museum of Water transforms a former 1980s water pump station into an unexpected tourist destination. Originally launched with Dutch funding, this quirky museum now stands as an independent attraction that breaks away from traditional museum experiences. Travelers and local families flock to its interactive exhibits, which turn water infrastructure into a playful learning adventure. The museum isn't just about looking-it's about experiencing. Visitors can walk through a rainwater collector, sit on an oversized toilet, and even stand inside a water bubble. A highlight for many is meeting Vasily, the resident yellow fish, who seems to be a mascot of sorts. The complex includes old water towers and reservoirs, making it more than just a single-room exhibit. With mandatory 45-minute guided tours available in English, the museum offers a unique blend of technical education and hands-on fun that appeals especially to curious children and adults interested in understanding urban water systems. It's less about passive observation and more about engaging directly with the story of water in an urban environment.
Top things to do at Museum of Water
- Take the 45-minute guided English tour revealing Kyiv's water infrastructure secrets
- Stand inside a giant water bubble for a unique interactive experience
- Explore the rainwater collector and learn about water conservation techniques
- Sit on the oversized toilet exhibit as a quirky photo opportunity
- Meet Vasily, the museum's resident yellow fish mascot in the children's area
- Investigate the old water towers and historic reservoirs within the museum complex
- Join hands-on water science experiments designed for children and curious adults
Tickets and Pricing
Museum of Water offers affordable entry with discounts for children and students. Tickets can be purchased online or directly at the museum entrance. Standard adult tickets cost around 150-200 Ukrainian hryvnia (approximately $5-7 USD). Group discounts are available for families and school groups. Online booking recommended during peak tourist seasons to guarantee entry.
History of Museum of Water
- 1980s: Original water pump station constructed in Kyiv
- Early 2000s: Dutch funding initiates museum transformation
- 2010: Museum begins independent operations
- 2015: Major renovation of water towers and exhibits
- 2020: Expanded children's educational area added
Tips for Visitors
- English tours available upon request - book in advance
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the 45-minute tour
- Bring a camera for unique interactive exhibits
- Ideal for families with children aged 6-12
- Allow at least 1-2 hours for full museum experience
- Restrooms and small café available on-site
- Accessibility ramps available for visitors with mobility challenges
Cultural Significance
The Museum of Water represents Kyiv's commitment to urban infrastructure education. It transforms a once-functional water pump station into an interactive learning space, showcasing the city's technological evolution and water management history. The museum serves as an educational platform, teaching visitors about water conservation, urban engineering, and environmental awareness through engaging, hands-on exhibits.
What are some interesting facts about Museum of Water?
- The museum's mascot is a yellow fish named Vasily, who has become a local legend among young visitors
- This unique museum was originally funded by Dutch investors and sits inside a repurposed 1980s water pump station
- The museum's giant toilet exhibit is part of an unconventional approach to teaching water infrastructure and conservation, making complex topics fun and memorable for children