Paying Tribute at the National Museum of Chernobyl
On the 26th of April 1986 the worst nuclear and environmental accident ever to take place occurred in Chernobyl in the Kyiv Oblast of Ukraine. Chernobyl and the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant are situated close to the borders of three countries, that being Belarus, Ukraine and Russia. Near the Power Plant is the city of Pripyat and Chernobyl, a rural village where workers lived.
When you first visit the National Museum of Chernobyl you are immediately taken back to this well-known site. An incredible job has been done to give you the true Chornobyl experience without you having to take a step onto the uninhabited property. Over seven thousand exhibits are on show in five different halls helping visitors to understand what happened that day. Some of these exhibits contain items that originate within the Power Plant as well as items that come from people who died in the disaster. Maps, secret documents, photos and items from homes give you a better understanding of the lives people led here in Chernobyl.
When you first enter into the museum you are welcomed with original road signs from Chernobyl and other towns that were situated near to the accident site. These signs lead you all the way up the stairs to the main auditorium where attendants will meet you and show you around. You might want to watch out for some of the exhibits if you are bringing children, as they are very life like and can be a little frightening.
Two of the highlights that you must remind your attendant to show you is, firstly, the video, which gives you background information into what really happened before, during and after the disaster. The second highlight is the diorama or the three-dimensional scene replicating the end result of the disaster almost true to life. When you are finished looking at all the exhibits at the Chernobyl Museum, the exit out of the building has similar signs as when you came in but this time they are crossed out showing that you are leaving.