Mariupol fact/fake
The exhibition, which speaks the language of facts – “Mariupol Fact/Fake” – reveals to visitors the real Mariupol, not through the prism of widespread myths, but through the eyes of its residents. The exhibition was the result of a long-term information project of the Mariupol Museum aimed at highlighting the truth and countering Russian propaganda, which started in April 2024 on the museum’s social media pages.
For several months, a team of museum workers collected and highlighted examples of disinformation, documentary evidence, historical sources, and facts that refute the myths about Mariupol, its history, and culture deliberately created by Russian propaganda.
On June 17, 2025, the opening of the exhibition "Mariupol Fact/Fake" took place within the walls of Mariupol State University in Kyiv, which became a logical continuation of the project of the same name.
The curator of the exhibition, associate professor of the Department of Cultural Studies of Mariupol State University and employee of the Mariupol Museum of Local Lore, Olga Khronenko, presented dozens of posters with the most common fakes and their exposure. These materials not only document manipulations, but also teach visitors to think critically, check information, distinguish facts from propaganda, and disseminate informational intrusions, which is one of the aggressor's main tools for dividing society.
A special impression in the exhibition is made by the contrast between the real stories of Mariupol residents, photographs of the destroyed city and the images created by Russian disinformation. Each poster is a challenge to lies, a testimony to what really happened. The exhibition not only informs, but also has an emotional impact: it makes you stop and look at the war, the media, and Mariupol through the prism of truth.
The exhibition received many positive reviews. Visitors noted its relevance, depth, and ability to change the way we look at things.
The project also presented the printed publication "Mariupol Fact/Fake", authored by Olga Khronenko. Its reviewers were Doctor of Philosophy Stepan Yankovsky, Honored Worker of Culture of Ukraine Yuzef Nikolchenko, and Director of the Mariupol Museum Maria Slyota. All of them noted the importance of this publication for fixing the truth and countering propaganda.
In times when disinformation has become a weapon, it is extremely important to preserve identity through true facts, documents, and testimonies. This exhibition is designed to tell the truth about Mariupol, to counter the cynical propaganda of the occupiers and fabricated myths, and to remind the world that Mariupol is alive and capable of fighting for the truth.
Exhibition organizers: Mariupol City Council, Mariupol Museum of Local Lore, Mariupol State University, “City of Mary” team.
