The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is preparing to welcome back visitors during the May long weekend.
This spring marks one year since the fire destroyed the visitor centre at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village (UCHV). While the loss was devastating for Alberta’s Ukrainian community and for all Albertans who value our province’s cultural heritage, Alberta’s government has made significant progress on the site’s restoration.
The UCHV is preparing to safely welcome back the public on May 16 during the May long weekend, marking an important milestone in reconnecting with the community.
“The UCHV holds a deeply meaningful place in Alberta’s history and in the hearts of the Ukrainian community. 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.”
Visitors will once again be able to explore the historic village, participate in cultural programming and connect with Alberta’s Ukrainian heritage as longer-term reconstruction continues. Field trip bookings are also now open for May and June, with major special events, including Ukrainian Day on Aug. 16, returning this summer.
“Alberta’s government has been instrumental in supporting the restoration of the UCHV. 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 buildings were damaged in last year’s fire, many irreplaceable artifacts, furnishings and original research files stored within the visitor centre were lost. However, thanks to earlier digitization efforts and off-site storage at the Royal Alberta Museum, many important materials were preserved.
Over the winter, Alberta’s government continued working with consultants and contractors to clean up the site and repair utilities affected by the fire. Efforts are now focused on preparing for construction of a new visitor centre, which is set to begin later this year.
Despite these challenges, the UCHV has continued to play an important educational and cultural role in our province. Fall and winter school programs resumed on Nov. 17, 2025, and nearly 1,500 students have already been welcomed back to the site.
“As parliamentary secretary for Ukrainian evacuees, I recognize how vital places like the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village are to preserving identity and culture. After last year’s devastating fire, I am happy to hear that the Village will be reopening to visitors on May 16. Ensuring this site continues to honour Ukrainian-Albertan’s history, resilience, and Alberta’s rich cultural heritage.”
Restoring the Visitor Centre goes beyond rebuilding a facility. It is about preserving a place of learning, remembrance and pride for generations to come.
Alberta’s government extends its sincere thanks to the first responders from Lamont County and Strathcona County who responded to the fire on April 18, 2025, as well as the individuals, organizations and institutions that reached out to the UCHV and the Friends of the Ukrainian Village Society to support fire recovery efforts and keep the spirit of the village alive.
The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is officially re-opening during the May long weekend.
Quick facts
- On the evening of April 18, 2025, a fire destroyed the UCHV visitor centre buildings, including the visitor reception area, gift shop, exhibition galleries, offices, conservation lab, collections and curatorial storage and public washrooms.
- Utility restoration and planning for the full reconstruction of the UCHV visitor centre will continue into fall 2026.
- The UCHV is expected to open on May 16. The site will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays to Sundays as well as holiday Mondays until Labour Day.
- The temporary visitor centre will be located in the Silska Domiwka (Red Barn), where visitors can also purchase food and visit the gift shop.
- The UCHV is a seasonal open-air museum located 25 minutes east of Edmonton in Lamont County.
- The UCHV is typically open from mid-May through September each year and welcomed approximately 29,500 visitors during the 2024–25 season.
Related information
Related news
- Fire at Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village: Joint Statement (Apr 19, 2025)