Alina Marnenko is the founder and CEO of the 03:00 Foundation and the Museum in the Dark “03:00” —Ukraine’s only museum operated entirely in the dark and guided by visually impaired staff. What began as a hobby project inspired by escape rooms has grown into a transformative social enterprise with branches in Kyiv and Lviv.
In this episode of the Promoting Enterprise podcast, Alina shares how she built a movement around visibility through darkness. Without any personal connection to visual impairment or prior experience in entrepreneurship, she saw a powerful idea and decided to make it real.
“I didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur. I just saw a problem, and a solution. And I had to try.”
What started with immersive tours has now expanded into a foundation supporting inclusive employment, accessible culture, and since the war in Ukraine rehabilitation programmes for civilians and soldiers who’ve lost their sight.
“We had to adapt fast. From offline tours to online lessons, from excursions to making candles during blackouts. But we never lost our mission.”
Alina and her team use powerful experiences to change perceptions and behaviour. Through emotion and empathy, they’re building a more inclusive, resilient society.
"We don’t lecture. We let people feel it. That’s how they start to care and act differently.”
Listen to Alina’s story on the Promoting Enterprise podcast, a conversation about empathy, innovation, and the power of adapting with purpose.
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