Art Train, Ukraine’s Mobile Gallery, Continues Its International Tour in the Republic of Moldova

Ukraine’s Art Train Embarks on Its First International Tour

A Ukrainian train transformed into a mobile art gallery has arrived in the Republic of Moldova as part of its first international tour. The project is operated by Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukraine’s national railway company, while the traveling exhibition features photographs taken in Ukraine by American photographer and philanthropist Howard Buffett following the outbreak of the war.

After being presented in Chișinău, the train is continuing its journey through the Republic of Moldova, with stops scheduled in Ungheni and Bălți. Admission to the exhibition is free of charge.

The Exhibition Arrives in Ungheni and Bălți

The next stop for Art Train is Ungheni, where the train-gallery can be visited on August 31 – September 1, between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

The final destination in the Republic of Moldova is Bălți, where the train will be stationed from September 2–4. The exhibition will be open to visitors daily between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., with free admission.

An Exhibition Dedicated to Ukraine and Its People

The train’s carriages have been transformed into exhibition spaces where photography, lighting and music are combined to create an immersive experience offering a human perspective on Ukraine during wartime.

At the heart of the project is the photographic exhibition “Courage of a Nation”, featuring the work of Howard Buffett. The photographs were taken during his numerous trips across Ukraine following the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion and capture both the realities of the war and the stories of the people affected by it.

According to the Embassy of Ukraine in Chișinău, the exhibition conveys messages of strength, dignity, solidarity and unwavering faith in the future, going beyond images that simply document the conflict.

Nearly 9,000 Kilometers Covered Across Ukraine

Art Train had an extensive journey across Ukraine before embarking on its first international tour. During its first year of operation, the train traveled approximately 9,000 kilometers and visited 43 cities.

The mobile exhibition attracted more than 48,000 visitors, becoming a traveling cultural project that brought art and photographic documentation closer to communities across Ukraine.

The International Tour Could Continue Across Europe

Following its stop in the Republic of Moldova, the organizers intend to continue the train’s journey to Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. However, negotiations and the necessary procedures for these destinations are still underway, meaning that the full international itinerary has not yet been confirmed.

The Connection with Howard Buffett

Howard Buffett, the son of billionaire American investor Warren Buffett, has been involved in supporting Ukraine since the beginning of the war, including through humanitarian initiatives and projects aimed at assisting affected communities.

In June 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he had met Howard Buffett in Kyiv to discuss the reconstruction of Ukraine. During the meeting, Zelenskyy expressed his appreciation for Buffett’s humanitarian support and highlighted the possibility of his involvement in projects focused on restoring irrigation systems in the Odesa region, supporting refugees, demining efforts and reforming school meal programs.