Art-gallery of farriery «Museum of the steel shapes», Rivne

A two-metre bear holding a fishing rod and bucket, suits of knight’s armour, intricate forged chests, and dozens of metal figures — all hammered from steel by hand. In Rivne there’s a place where cold metal behaves like modelling clay.

Location Card

What It Is and Why People Come

This is the «Kovalski Vytreben’ky» private blacksmithing museum (literally “Blacksmith’s Oddities”) combined with an art gallery of forged works. The collection holds more than a hundred pieces — from delicate candlesticks to knight’s armour and charming metal animals.

People come to see what metal can do in the hands of a master — and for a free, unexpectedly delightful cultural experience right in the centre of Rivne.

History

The museum was founded in 2013 by the owners of a local metalworking company — the organisers of the international blacksmithing festival «Metaleve Sertse Ukrainy» (Metal Heart of Ukraine). The idea was simple: present blacksmithing not as a trade but as art.

In spring 2016 the adjacent Blacksmithing Art Gallery opened alongside it. The collection grew with works not only by Rivne smiths but by masters from across Ukraine who gathered for the festival.

The star exhibit is a two-metre bear with a fishing rod and bucket. It is the piece visitors photograph most.

Blacksmith Lore

1. The Blacksmith as Near-Sorcerer

In folk belief the blacksmith always stood a little apart: someone who tamed fire and metal was thought to border on the world of magic. That is why forged objects were often credited with protective power — a horseshoe over the door is the classic example.

2. The Lucky Horseshoe

Blacksmithing museums almost always keep a «lucky» horseshoe for visitors to hold. It is a warm tradition that turns a tour into a small ritual — and children love it.

What to See on Site

The Fishing Bear. The two-metre headline exhibit and the most popular photo spot.

Knight’s armour. Full forged suits that evoke the medieval world — impressive for adults and children alike.

Decorative metalwork. Candelabras, filigree chests, animal figures — dozens of works spanning the full range of the blacksmith’s art.

Getting There

In the city. The museum is at 18A Kurchatova Street in Rivne, easily reached by city transport.

Tip. Check opening hours before you visit — the museum typically operates on weekdays; admission is traditionally free.

Visitor Checklist

• Bring: children — the metal animals and armour will be a hit.
• Bring: a camera for shots with the Fishing Bear.
• Check: opening hours before your visit.
• Don’t: climb on the exhibits without permission — metal is heavy and has sharp edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does admission cost?

Admission to the blacksmithing museum is traditionally free, but it’s worth confirming the opening hours in advance.

What makes it special?

It is Ukraine’s first private blacksmithing museum, founded by the organisers of the «Metal Heart of Ukraine» festival.

Is it good for children?

Very much so. Metal animals, knight’s armour, and a two-metre Fishing Bear make it one of the most child-friendly museums in Rivne.

The Steel Figures Museum is a good reminder that art doesn’t have to be quiet and gallery-serious. Sometimes it rings with hammer blows, smells of forge scale, and grins through the face of a metal bear.

And it’s also a story about people who turned a heavy industrial trade into a reason to smile.