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Ukraine's Museum of Corruption in Pictures

July 26, 2016 | PRI's The World
By
Misha Friedman
Scooters in Mezhyhirya Ukraine

Vendors sell bike rentals, guided tours and memorabilia outside the main entrance to Mezhyhirya. Image by Misha Friedman. Ukraine, 2014.

desk

A shrink wrapped leather chair in Viktor Yanukovych's former office at Mezhyhirya. Image by Misha Friedman. Ukraine, 2014.

Petro Olynyk

Petro Oliynyk with a Ukrainian emblem embroidered flag draped around his shoulders. Image by Misha Friedman. Ukraine, 2016.

Mezhyhirya

The main staircase at Mezhyhirya club house. Image by Misha Friedman. Ukraine, 2016.

Wedding

Mezhyhirya has become a popular wedding day destination for Ukrainians. Image by Misha Friedman. Ukraine, 2014.

Ukraine Museum 1

A portrait of Petro Oliynykr, 34, a grocery salesman from Lviv has, came to Mezhgorye from Maidan where he participated in the revolution and has remained there ever since guarding/protecting it from looters. Image by Misha Friedman. Ukraine, 2016.

Toilet paper

Yanukovych-themed toilet paper (probably placed there by rebels) in the master bedroom. Image by Misha Friedman. Ukraine, 2016.

Salt room

The salt room inside the spa. Image by Misha Friedman. Ukraine, 2016.

boxing ring

A gladiator-themed boxing ring. Image by Misha Friedman. Ukraine, 2016.

Touring the grounds of Mezhyhirya, the lavish former estate of ousted Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, can be an odd experience.

From a main house built to resemble an oversized Finnish hunting lodge to acres of manicured gardens to a gladiator themed boxing ring, visitors are in for a first-hand look at what millions of tax dollars can buy.

There are many calling for the estate to be turned into a "museum of corruption." And, while those efforts have stalled, here is what a tour of Mezhyhirya looks like.