Shchos Tsikave Art Shop and Gallery, Lviv

Shchos Tsikave ("Something Interesting") is a Lviv shop-gallery that brings together art objects by Ukrainian makers under one roof: tableware and vases, mirrors and candlesticks, ceramics and jewellery in glass, metal and beads. Open since 2011, it now occupies an old townhouse at 2a Soborna Square — right in the heart of the old town, between Rynok Square and the Bernardine Monastery. You won't find random souvenirs "made" who knows where: every item is handmade by artists from different regions of Ukraine, and the staff know the story behind almost every piece.

History: from a festival table to a house of interesting things

The shop was founded by artist Roksolana Khudoba, a graduate of the art glass department of the Lviv National Academy of Arts — the only such department in Ukraine. As a student she and a friend made glass jewellery and sold it at festivals and fairs from a tiny table. Demand was so high that a shop of their own soon opened in one of the courtyards of central Lviv, later followed by the current space. Over more than a decade Shchos Tsikave has brought together hundreds of makers, introduced many new names and become a visible landmark on the map of contemporary Ukrainian craft. Ukraїner filmed a story about the shop and the Lviv school of glass.

What you can find here

• In-house art glass — vases, mirrors and decor from the Haluzka Glass collections, stained-glass graphics and glass jewellery; Lviv was historically a major centre of blown glass, and the tradition lives on here.
• Tableware and ceramics — mugs, bowls, plates and jugs, including traditional painting with birds, deer and flowers.
• Beaded gerdany, sylianky and necklaces with Carpathian and Podillia motifs.
• Jewellery in ceramics, metal and natural stone, plus fine jewellery.
• Beeswax candles and candlesticks, florariums, incense, textiles and small home decor.
• Things for children, postcards, paper goods and gift vouchers.

Why drop in

If you want to take home something genuine from Lviv rather than a Town Hall fridge magnet, this is one of the best addresses in the old town. It is easy to put together a gift for any budget, from a small brooch or candle to an artist's vase or mirror. The interior — white rooms with mirrors, wooden tables, woollen lizhnyky and embroidered runners — feels like a small exhibition, so it is worth a look even if you don't plan to buy. Google Maps reviews (4.8 from more than 830 ratings) praise the wide choice, quality and friendly staff. If you miss your chance on the spot, there is an online shop with delivery.

Practical information

Address: 2a Soborna Square, Lviv (entrance via the courtyard). Hours: daily 11:00–20:00; holiday schedules may differ and are announced on the website. Phone: +380 67 676 7513, e-mail [email protected], website shchos-tsikave.ua. Cards are accepted; prices online are shown in hryvnias and US dollars.

Getting there: from Rynok Square it is a 5-minute walk south past the Latin Cathedral to Soborna Square; from Svobody Avenue about 10 minutes. Trams crossing the city centre stop nearby. If you come by car, use paid car parks outside the old-town pedestrian zone.

At a glance

• Address: Lviv
• Opening hours: Daily 11:00–20:00
• Season: All year round
• Phone: +380676767513

Website and social media: shchos-tsikave.ua

Photos: lh3.googleusercontent.com.