Soviet Kiev Tour
We invite you to join our tour around Soviet Kyiv, where we will introduce you to the architecture of the Soviet era. You will see unique constructions of its kind, many of which had innovative solutions. You will get to know the names of Kyiv architects, thanks to whom the Verkhovna Rada, the Hotel “Ukraine”, the Palace of Sport, the “Plate”, VDNH and other grandiose structures were erected. The tour can take you around the center, Pechersk, New Development or Golosiivo (by walk / by car). The route “Peremoha Square – Peremoha Ave” is also possible. Duration – 3-4 hours.
SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONS AROUND KIEV
The architecture of Soviet Kyiv personifies a whole era of the socialist regime, which was reflected in grandiose projects, monumental and complex buildings. Strangely enough, this period of 70 years left more than half of the current city development. Creating the appearance of the capital of the Ukrainian SSR, many buildings were erected, with some of them being the masterpieces of architecture recognized throughout the world.
The best architects of that time worked on the architectural image of Kyiv, which could not but affect the outcome. Among the major Kyiv city planners, who made the greatest contribution, we can name P. Alyoshyn, I. Karakis, V. Zabolotny, A. Dobrovolsky and A. Miletsky. Some masterpieces of architectural thought were so ahead of time that they were understood and appreciated only after half a century. Today they are part of the history of Ukrainian architecture and cultural heritage of the country.
Over the years of existence of the state of Soviets, Kyiv has incorporated various styles of architecture, ranging from the Stalin’s ampir to modernism in all its manifestations. Bright examples of Soviet architecture are considered to be VDNH (Expocenter of Ukraine), the building of the Verkhovna Rada and the Cabinet of Ministers, The River port, the monument to “Woman Motherland”, as well as “Teatralna” and “Khreshchatyk” metro stations. Some of these buildings have been repeatedly noted in the global architectural environment.
Of particular importance was the construction of public places for citizens to spend leisure time – these are clubs for workers, cinemas, pioneer houses, palaces of culture and sports grounds. The most expressive objects include the cinema “Kyiv”, the Palace of Pioneers (Center for Children and Youth), the club of workers of the food trust “Pishchevik” (Opera and Ballet Theater for Children and Youth), the cinema “Zhovten”, the “Spartak” stadium.
Soviet modernism, conveying the basic ideology of the time, is also of interest. Striving for progress, space exploration and new technologies, innovation and bold solutions were transformed into monolithic structures made of concrete and metal structures, designed to emphasize asceticism and urban appearance. The built-in volumes, straight lines, porthole windows, geometricity and multilevels became a trend. However, even these massive structures and complex shapes also have their own appeal. The creations of Kyiv modernism include the INTEI building, known as the “UFO”, the Crematorium, the library named after Vernadsky, the House of furniture, the bus fleet № 7 and the “Salute” hotel.
At the turn of the 1970-1980s brutalism of Kyiv architecture was noticeably manifested. It was one of the directions of modernism, which is characterized by large-scale compositional structures and the power of structures. A unique object erected in this style is the campus of the University named after Shevchenko, located in the area of Holosievo.
Mosaics deserve special attention. It is a popular type of monumental and decorative art, the heyday of which fell in the USSR for the 1960-1970s during the period of typical buildings. Thus, propagating the ideal of the Soviet citizen, hundreds of mosaic paintings of various masonry techniques and themes were created in Kyiv, adorning scientific institutes, administrative and educational institutions, and metro stations. Kyiv masters also used folk motives, historical events and characters in their works. Such panels as “Industrial Labor” (metro station “Shuliavska”) and “Blacksmiths of Modernity” (47, Nauky ave); as well as mosaic composition “Kyiv Rus” (metro station “Zoloti Vorota”) and the interior of the Central Bus Station are absolutely adorable.
Today, Soviet Kyiv is trendy. Experiencing an aesthetic boom, the Ukrainian capital has become a place with ideal locations for video and photography. Kyiv can be seen in advertisements of Apple, Diesel, Mazda, Lacoste and Motorola, as well as in the famous television series “Chornobyl” and in official videos of foreign musicians. Many objects were repeatedly marked by the European editions of The Guardian, Architectural Review and the Dezeen.
If you are a fan of everything unusual, then we are waiting for you on our excursions. Fascinating facts and incidents, amazing emotions and fantastic “selfies” are guaranteed!
Nuclear Research Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine was founded in 1970 (47, Nauky Ave.). The first thing that attracts attention is the bright mosaic panel, called “The Blacksmiths of Modernity” (1974) at the entrance to the reception. Glorifying the triumph of science, the canvas symbolizes the work of scientists on the secrets of the atom. It is worth noting that the topic of science is quite often found in monumental works. This mosaic is captured in the second episode of the foreign series “Chornobyl”. Every year, on open days, you can visit the institution, get acquainted with scientific activities and see nuclear physics facilities.
University campus of KNU named after Shevchenko is the campus of the 1970s (2, Akademik Glushkov Ave). Initially, the construction of a large-scale complex included erecting of the educational buildings, administration, library, sports club and a number of research institutes. It was assumed that the campus would be divided into educational, scientific, housing and public zones, as well as have infrastructure and even an underground tunnel connecting the university with ENEA. However, it was not possible to fully realize the plan. Only part of the project was realized and four futuristic buildings were erected, which are impressive to this day.
Hippodrome was built in the 1960s. It has an area of 45 hectares (10, Akademik Glushko Ave.). Prefabricated reinforced concrete structures, glass, plastic and aluminum were used in the construction of the main building. At that time, such innovative methods and materials were considered to be a modern solution. As a result, this allowed building a platform of up to 3,500 spectators at a minimal cost. The building looks quite simple, but it has got long spans between the supports. The rest of the territory was occupied by stables and utility rooms. Today, major repairs are required.
The ice stadium is the first Ukrainian outdoor sports complex with ice tracks, built in 1975. Once upon a time, all-Union level competitions were held here. Nearby is an unfinished indoor sports arena, which is included in the TOP-10 abandoned buildings in Kyiv. Construction of one of the large-scale projects of the USSR began in 1978. It was supposed to be a location for training and hockey games. However, the construction was delayed, and in the 1990s, it was completely “frozen.” Today, the “unfinished” attracts the attention of stalkers, lovers of unusual places; movies’ shooting is often done here too.
NC “Expocenter of Ukraine” is one of the largest in the world. It was built in 1952-1958 for the exhibition of the national economy achievements (ENEA). This is the only architectural ensemble in Europe where traditional, including rare, styles of architecture are represented. The complex occupies 286 hectares with180 different buildings. Particularly noteworthy is the main palace pavilion with columns, crowned with a gilded spire rotunda. The rotunda has 24 columns, each of which has the symbols of the Ukrainian SSR. Over the years, Ho Chi Minh, De Gaulle, Margaret Thatcher have been here. The exhibition center to this day is of great interest to tourists around the world.
Library named after Vernadsky is one of the largest in the world. The main building, opened in 1989, has an area of 35 thousand m2 (3 Golosiivsky Ave.). This is a skyscraper in modernism style (height – 76.7 m). Its vertical part has got book depositories, while the stylobate section houses reading rooms and offices. The “space” interior impresses with décor in the form of works of fine art, in particular, – the monumental panel “The Pain of the Earth”, made using the encaustic technique. The foyer is decorated with a tapestry-triptych “The Origins of Slavic Writing”. Instead of a staircase, a ramp connects the first and second floors, along which 11 marble busts of outstanding figures of science and culture are installed. Unique lighting of the halls allows reading in daylight (special acrylic diffusers are mounted in the ceilings).
Crematorium was built in 1975 on the territory of the Baykove cemetery. The building located on the top of the hill consists of two rounded farewell halls on the podium, under which the crematorium itself is hidden. Nearby, there was supposed to be the Memory Park with a pond and a wall with a grandiose bas-relief depicting life and death. Ukrainian masters have been working on the Wall of Memory for more than 10 years. Unfortunately, in 1982, the unique panel was flooded with concrete.
The Ministry of Social Policy is one of the brightest examples of modernism, erected in 1981 by architects V. Bavilovsky and G. Granatkin (Esplanadna Str., 8/10). Two lower floors are made of monolithic reinforced concrete; the rest are made of prefabricated reinforced concrete blocks. The facade is made of hinged expanded clay concrete panels with a textured layer. Unique sun-cutters (vertical hinged structures) as a decorative element give a special character and protect massive glass facades from direct sunlight. Today, most of them are removed.
The Institute of Scientific and Technical Expertise and Information is a building built in 1971 (architect F. Yuryev, L. Novikov), known as “Plate”. It is located at Lybidska metro station. This is the most famous and recognizable object of Kyiv modernism. The so-called “plate” embedded in the facade attracts attention with its gigantic size and extraordinary shape, similar to a UFO. “Due to the fact that the area for construction was extremely small, in order to accommodate the conference room, I had to “hang it”. The room consisting of two hemispheres has excellent acoustics. Architect F. Yuryev was awarded for innovation.
Ukravtodor was built in 1971-1976 as a laboratory building of the Ministry of Roads of the Ukrainian SSR (51/9, Antonovich Street). The building is significantly different from the administrative buildings of that era. It has got three sections. Gray stucco imitating unprocessed concrete is used in the decoration. The building is reminiscent of “London brutalism” style; it has got rounded corners, plastic shapes and separate windows. One of the sections of this space building was once covered by wild grapes, giving an even more unusual look. Today, the facade is changed, and ivy is cut.
The National Palace of Arts “Ukraine” is one of the largest concert halls in Ukraine, opened in 1970 on the occasion of the centenary of the birth of Lenin. Originally it was intended to serve as a venue for congresses of the Communist Party, and secondly – as a concert hall. The building has the shape of a trapezoid; its height is 28 m. Granite, as well as white and pink marble were used in the construction.
Kyiv Planetarium was established in 1988 (V. Vasylkivska Str., 57/3). In 1979, construction of a special building began, and only by the end of 1987 it was completed. A building has a special architectural style with open space and a unique feature – a spiral ramp, symbolizing constant development and movement. A projector was installed inside, demonstrating 6.5 thousand stars. Today, the planetarium takes the 2nd place in Europe in terms of the size of the dome (diameter – 23 m).
House of Cinema was built in 1974 in the style of Soviet futurism. For a short time, the “House of Cinema” has become a real cultural centre and is so until the present days. Today there are exhibitions and festivals, seminars and conferences, demonstrations of authors’ films, as well as the best jazz concerts of Ukrainian and foreign stars. This is one of the few places where you can see the experimental cinema of young Ukrainian filmmakers. Here also houses the National Union of Cinematographers of Ukraine. Inside there is the restaurant-club “Babylon” in original style.
Hotel “Rus” was built in 1968-1979 in international style (Hospitalna Str., 4). I was built specifically for the opening of the Olympics-80 by order of the Office for Foreign Tourism at the Council of Ministers of the USSR. The facade is completely glazed. Hinged aluminum vertical panels are used to add to the original look of the building. A horizontal flat stylobate accentuates the vertical body. Natural stone, metal carvings and mosaic panels are used in the decor of the interiors. Nowadays, it is the Premier Hotel Rus.
The Palace of Sports is a four-storey structure made of glass, aluminum and concrete. An architectural solution gives the impression of lightness and space. It is worth noting that the construction works were completed in record time – in 975 days. In 1981-1982 major reconstruction was carried out, and the appearance of the interior and halls were changed.
The Presidential Administration of Ukraine – the main governmental body, located on the Bankova Street, 11. It was built in the style of Soviet classicism. The institution was built in the 1930s on the project of the architect S. Hryhoriev by means of the reconstruction of two buildings of the XIX century and was intended for the headquarters of the Kyiv Military District. After World War II, the building housed the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine. It was here that Khrushchev, Podgorny and Shcherbitsky worked in their time. Since 1992 here housed the administration and residence of the President of Ukraine. The building is striking in its greatness and monumentality, and the entrance with the columns emphasizes the importance and significance in the formation of history.
Verkhovna Rada was built in 1939 on the project of architect V.Zabolotny, who in 1940 was awarded the Stalin Prize for his project and then was appointed the chief architect of Kyiv. The building is a model of Ukrainian architectural classics. So, after the transfer of the capital from Kharkiv to Kyiv since July 1939 on the Hrushevsky Street, 5 began to take place the Ukrainian parliament sessions in the new building. In the mid-1980s before the entrance to the building appeared sculptures, symbolizing different layers of the population – workers, peasants, scientists, intellectuals. It is worth noting the rich interior of the building, made by authors’ projects, including even door handles, chandeliers and furniture. Nowadays here are conducted the sessions of the parliament.
Ukrainian House is a national center for business and cultural cooperation, a venue for congresses and forums. It was built in 1982 as the Lenin Museum, which lasted until 1993, where schoolchildren were solemnly accepted into the ranks of pioneers. Inside, there is a concert hall, an exhibition centers, an art gallery and receptions. Today, presentations, concerts, literary and artistic meetings are held here.
The Historical Museum is an architectural monument built in 1937-1939 (architect I. Karakis). Initially, the building was intended for the country’s first art school. The main facade in the classical style opens onto an open area and is directed towards the foundation of the Church of the Tithes. The rear facade is seen in the panorama of Starokyiska Mountain, reminiscent of a Byzantine monumental structure. The exact location over Andriivsky Descent is not accidental. Its outline makes a real mountain out of an ancient hill. In the 1950s a retaining wall was erected, and in front of the entrance – a staircase with lampposts. The initial project included 14 sculptures on the upper part of the building, a bas-relief with antique figures was supposed to be above the entrance. However, the sculptures were abandoned, and the bas-relief was replaced with the emblem of the Soviet Union (now dismantled). Since 1944 to this day, the National Museum of the History of Ukraine has been located inside.
Hotel “Ukraine” was built in 1958-1961 during the post-war reconstruction of Khreshchatyk (4, Institutska St.). In the early 1950s, it was decided to build a 21-story hotel-skyscraper. However, due to the “struggle with architectural excesses”, the project was simplified by reducing the number of floors. The architecture in the style of “Stalin’s skyscrapers” is made in simple concise forms; the facade is lined with ceramic tiles. The relief difference was successfully applied, thanks to the retaining wall (14 m). The hotel ultimately has a height of 66 m.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine – a government building located on the Hrushevsky Street, 12/2. The construction was erected in the period of1936-1938 and is a striking example of Soviet constructivism – the facade in the form of a semicircle with tall columns, the lower floors faced with large stone blocks. At one time there were the NKVD and the Council of Ministers of the Ukrainian SSR. Since the day of the independence of Ukraine – the Cabinet of Ministers. Today it is the largest administrative institution (235 thousand square meters). It is an architectural monument. Excursions are organized in the Government House by appointment. The Museum of the History of Ukrainian Governments also operates, where the originals of documents of former leaders are presented, their awards and photographs, the cabinet of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR is recreated. The exhibition of gifts received as a gift to the state is constantly replenished.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an extravagant building erected in 1938 (Mykhailivska Square). In 1934, when the capital was moved from Kharkiv to Kyiv, it became necessary to create a government quarter. It was planned to build two monumental buildings, to divide the area for parades between them, to erect a 75-meter monument to Lenin, and instead of the funicular to build a staircase to the embankment. To implement the idea, the Mykhailivsky Cathedral (XVII-XVIII centuries) was demolished. We also managed to build one building before 1941, where the party committees and Komsomol institutions operated already in the 1940s. After the war, it again housed the Central Committee of the Communist Party. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been located here since the 1990s.
The Furniture House was built in 1973 as a trade and exhibition center (Blvd. Druzhby Narodov, 23). An unusual design with a concave roof and glass showcases made the construction one of the sights of Kyiv. The “hanging coating”, invented by design engineer Yu. Rebrov, is another prominent feature of the building. The idea of the invention consisted in the fact that instead of beams, it was proposed to put a coating of metal membranes on sagging cables mounted on supports. Insulation and heating boards are laid on them. Thanks to innovative technology, it was possible to create a store with a large internal space of up to 20 thousand square meters.
The Motherland was opened in 1981. Section production took place at a factory in Kyiv with the participation of the Institute of Paton. A 10-meter copy of the sculpture was tested for stability in the largest turbine of the USSR, located in Moscow. The cost of construction amounted to 2 million rubles. In style, the sculpture is eclectic and is an example of socialist realism.
Memorial of Eternal Glory was established in 1957. It is located in the Park of Glory. It features an obelisk mounted on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Alley of Fallen Heroes who died during the Second World War, leading to it. The granite monument has got a height of 27 m. The Eternal Fire, surrounded by a bronze wreath burns at its bottom. Along the alley there are 34 graves with the remains of soldiers. Under the socialist regime, a monument to an unknown soldier was erected in almost every city.
Kyiv Center for Children and Youth – was built in 1962-1965 by architects A. Miletsky and Y. Bilsky (13 I. Mazepa St.). In those days, the former Palace of Pioneers looked futuristic – it had a laconic three-story building, glass facades, hall walls decorated with mosaics. In front of the entrance there is a fountain-pool “Stars and Constellations”, at the bottom of which there are figures symbolizing constellations and other celestial bodies. Today, the center is listed as a monument of local importance.
Hotel “Salute” was built in 1982-1984. to the order of the State Planning Commission according to the project of the architect A. Miletsky (11 Mazepa St.). Initially, the round building of the hotel was planned to be erected several floors higher, but the party leadership would reduce the number of storeys so as not to distort the historical panorama of Kyiv. Ultimately, thanks to an unusual architectural solution, the futuristic building became one of the brightest examples of Soviet modernism.
Kindergarten No. 1 “Eaglet” of the plant “Arsenal” is a monument of architecture and town planning, built in the 1930s. (Askoldov Lane, 5). In 1937, an individual project for the establishment of a kindergarten was created on the orders of the management of the Arsenal plant, for the first time in the history of the Soviet Union. In 1940, the building began to operate as a kindergarten. The building is historically the first kindergarten in the city of Kiev and it was built exactly as a palace for children. The building is located in a picturesque place on the green slopes of the Dnieper and a noble manor or an ancient temple is represented in its style. The uniqueness of the building is the following: the building is built in harmonious forms of Greek antiquity and there is a colorful spectacle from the side of the Dnieper – the building is erected on a protruding cape. Kindergarten was a participant in VDNH USSR more than five times, newspapers and magazines wrote about it. The kindergarten “Orlyonok” has been included in the complex of the Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Pedagogical University since 2001. Now there is still a kindergarten in the building.
Arsenalna metro station was launched in 1960. The station is one of the deepest in the world and the oldest one in the history of the Kyiv metro, named after the Arsenal plant. Its depth is 105.5 m. It has an “English type” construction with thick pylons through which two narrow passages lead to a small hall. The wall cladding is made in white and pink marble, and aluminum casting anodized to bronze. Similar architectural solutions are common in the UK.
