The creation of ethnographic collections and museums in Ukraine testifies to the growing national interest for traditional culture which is marked by the first measures aiming at its preservation and transmission. Private initiatives of the intelligentsia and aristocracy played a major role in the protection of cultural monuments and the creation of ethnographic museums. This is assumed today by academics who publish spezialized literature, organize scientific expeditions and create departments of ethnography, ethnology and art history. By retracing the evolution of Ukrainian ethnographic museums the authorin shows that this type of museum is of crucial importance for the Ukrainian national rebirth.