Vernissage - a unique souvenir market in the center of Lviv
While walking through the streets of historic Lviv, not far from the Opera House, you may come across the legendary open-air souvenir market. This is none other than "Vernissage" which was once a top and must-visit location for tourists and continues to be relevant today. Here, you can purchase antiques, various jewelry, paintings, dishes, souvenirs, and embroidered shirts (vyshyvankas). Handmade items are particularly valuable, and sometimes you can even witness artisans in the process of embroidering shirts. Often, you can find unique items that you won't find anywhere else in Lviv.
How did "Vernissage" originate?
Its history began during the "Perestroika" period in the late 1980s. Initially, it was located on a former children's playground at the intersection of Krakivska and Virmenska Streets. The legendary market owes its existence to artists who were the first to display and sell their works at this location. Later, craftsmen from various creative trades joined them. The impromptu art market later moved to Vicheva Square (located between Lesi Ukrainky, Teatralna, and Nyzkyi Zamok Streets). However, space became scarce for all those interested, and the relocation was influenced, to a large extent, by the second "Vyvykh" festival (a youth festival of alternative culture and non-traditional art genres, held twice in Lviv in 1990 and 1992). Some time passed, and the gathering place for creative people transformed into a market where one could buy interesting art pieces, handmade items, and more.
As of today, "Vernissage" continues to operate. Whether you're an antique enthusiast, an art lover in search of an original painting, or simply looking for a unique souvenir to remember Lviv by, visit here.
