Нематеріальна культурна спадщина: особливості музеєфікації

The purpose of the article is to present the main stages, approaches, and tools for preserving intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in Ukraine, with particular focus on the role of museums, which are increasingly integrating ICH elements into their work. The object is intangible cultural heritage as an integral component of the social and cultural identity of nations. The subject is the problem of appropriate museumization of ICH. The relevance of this article lies in the fact that traditional museum practices are not always able to represent the living nature of the ICH, which requires a methodological rethinking of the functions of the museum as a space for interaction, communication, and transmission of cultural experience. The methodology of the theoretical analysis in this article is based on historical-cultural, ethnographic, sociocultural, and comparative methods which were employed. These allowed for a comprehensive analysis of current museum practices related to ICH, as well as the study of cultural traditions that are preserved and reproduced by tradition bearers within local communities. The article attempts to compare different methods of documenting and actualizing ICH implemented in ethnographic museums of Ukraine, to determine their effectiveness and their role in ensuring the sustainability of intangible heritage. The results. 1. Museumization of ICH is a strategically important tool for preserving cultural identity and forming public memory, especially in the context of modern challenges such as war, globalization, urbanization, and cultural unification. 2. Modern museums should not only archive or exhibit objects related to the ICH, but also create interactive spaces for the direct participation of tradition bearers and visitors. Formats such as master classes, ritual reconstructions, “live exhibitions” and open-air museums allow us to recreate a full-fledged cultural context in which the ICH is not only presented, but also experienced. 3. It is vitally important for the process of museumization to recognize the value of the ICH element by the local community itself. This recognition is the basic criterion for the existence of the element as part of the heritage and must be preserved in the museum presentation. The participation of communities and practitioners in the process of museumization is not only desirable, but also fundamentally necessary for compliance with international standards for the protection of ICH. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that the article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of contemporary methods of museumization of Ukraine’s intangible cultural heritage, taking into account the challenges of war, digitalization, and the involvement of tradition bearers in museum practices. The article substantiates the importance of integrating living practices, festival formats, and digital archives for the preservation and promotion of intangible cultural heritage within the national museum space. The practical significance of the article lies in the fact that this scientific research emphasizes the significance of its preservation amid contemporary transformations, particularly through museum practices. The authors underline that ICH goes beyond the boundaries of material culture, encompassing unique manifestations of traditions, rituals, knowledge, and skills transmitted from generation to generation. It plays a key role in shaping collective memory, strengthening national consciousness, and supporting cultural diversity — especially in the context of globalization and increasing cultural interaction.