President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska attended the opening of the Cuboid Museum of Mathematics and met with the winners of the IV stage of the All-Ukrainian Mathematics Olympiad.
This is the first mathematics museum in Ukraine and the fifth in the world. The idea for its creation emerged in 2021 following the Presidential Decree "On Declaring the 2020/2021 Academic Year the Year of Mathematics Education in Ukraine." However, due to Russia’s full-scale invasion, the project could only be realized now.
"Of course, the consequences of the war and the challenges we face delayed the opening a bit. But this proves that Ukraine is alive, science is alive, and despite any difficulties, we keep moving forward," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The President expressed his hope that after achieving a just and lasting peace, which will surely come thanks to the heroic Ukrainian defenders, children will continue their development and gain new knowledge.
"Knowledge that will open up the world for you every day – a world that is truly fascinating and beautiful. And thanks to you, it is so bright. I wish you this, and I believe that such an educational space will only help nurture your talents and achievements," he added.
During the conversation, students asked the President what role mathematics played in his life during his school years, whether it helps him now, and what subject he would recommend adding to the education system.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olena Zelenska also viewed the museum's exhibition, which features 120 exhibits, six thematic zones, and four learning spaces for students and teachers. The museum is designed to help overcome the educational losses in mathematics caused by the war and serve as a hub for innovators who will play a key role in rebuilding the country.
One of the museum’s key goals is to transform the way mathematics is taught. This includes integrating innovative teaching methods, promoting STEM subjects, and emphasizing a hands-on approach to learning mathematics. For educators, the museum offers courses, interactive teaching training, and a platform for experience-sharing and professional development.
Visitors will be able to solve problems through play, explore theory and real-life case studies, and develop critical thinking, logic, and spatial reasoning.
The Cuboid Museum of Mathematics was developed by the National Center "Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine" and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, with the support of UNICEF Ukraine and Theirworld. The museum will officially open to the public in May, located in the third pavilion of the National Complex "Expocenter of Ukraine" (VDNH).