Photos show desperate attempts to save Ukraine's historic artworks from Russian invasion

Workers wrapping a statue on the streets of Lviv, in eastern Ukraine. (Reuters: Pavlo Palamarchuk)

As Russian forces continue to advance into Ukraine, many of the country's art galleries, museums and cultural centres are rushing to protect their precious artefacts.

Some are moving items to secret locations, while others are wrapping public art to protect it from potential attacks.

These photos capture some of the work taking place to preserve a number of Ukraine's most historically significant artworks.

Pieces of the Bohorodchany Iconostasis, a religious work from the 16th century, wait to be packed at the National Museum of Lviv. (ABC News: Brendan Esposito)

The museum's cultural secretary Angelina Zabytivska says its artworks embody Ukraine's "national soul". (ABC News: Brendan Esposito)

Many statues and sculptures are being taken down and moved. (ABC News: Brendan Esposito)

Huge pieces are being carefully carried through the building. (ABC News: Brendan Esposito)

The museum dates back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and saw the Soviet Union come and go. (ABC News: Brendan Esposito)

In the 1950s the Soviets destroyed more than 1,700 pieces of cultural significance, so the staff are taking few chances. (ABC News: Brendan Esposito)

The museum's doors have been closed since Russia’s war on Ukraine began on February 24. (AP: Bernat Armangue)

The collections are being divided and housed in secret locations. (ABC News: Brendan Esposito)

Public art is also being protected from possible shelling. (Reuters: Pavlo Palamarchuk)

Statues are wrapped up to protect them, while stained-glass windows are covered with chipboard. (AP: Pavlo Palamarchuk)

Work continues, in an attempt to preserve Ukraine's history. (ABC News: Brendan Esposito)

Includes reporting by Emily Clark in Lviv.