Architectural and meaningful dominant of National Cultural-Art Museum Complex "Mystetskyi Arsenal" is the Old Arsenal building, an architectural monument of national importance, which was erected in 1783-1801 according to project by Lieutenant-General Ivan (Johann) Meller for the needs of the Kyiv garrison on the site of the Ascension Nunnery. During the Independence of Ukraine, starting from 2003, Arsenal became the cultural and artistic institutions and got the name "Mystetskyi Arsenal."
Soon a new generation museum, with modern technical infrastructure that meets the requirements of a dynamic exhibition centre and simultaneously perform a broad educational function, invite visitors into the spacious of exhibition and exposition halls, art laboratories, electronic libraries, bookstores, conference rooms, information centres, classrooms .
By 2013, the complex is partly in a state of reconstruction and construction. However, today Mystetskyi Arsenal operates in an active creative format, because the Old Arsenal building in June 2010 was the most adapted for the convenience of participants and comfortable leisure of visitors, making it possible to implement the diverse cultural and artistic projects. Architectural and spatial concept of the complex allows scale art projects, exhibitions, presentations, charity balls and more to be held. Area of the Mystetskyi Arsenal Building is 50 000 m².
In May 2012 Mystetskyi Arsenal plans to open ARSENALE - Ukrainian Biennale of Contemporary Art, which will be held in the spirit of the most famous world Biennale and will perpesent the best contemporary art in Ukraine.