The 1983 postcard captures an architectural ensemble from the central part of Donetsk, featuring two significant urban infrastructure objects of that period.
What is shown on the postcard
The foreground of the postcard displays an area with well-maintained lawns and coniferous trees. At the center of the composition are two prominent buildings. On the left, a tall, multi-story hotel building with characteristic horizontal rows of windows dominates the view. To its right stands the uniquely shaped circular circus building, featuring a domed roof and massive external support structures. Several cars are parked on the driveway near the hotel, and figures of people are visible near the entrances.
Historical note
The tall building on the postcard is the former Shakhtyor Hotel (later known as Donetsk Hotel), which opened in 1970. It was one of the city’s largest and most modern hotels, offering comfortable rooms and conference facilities, which might explain the “Press Center” designation in the postcard’s title. The circular building is the Donetsk State Circus “Kosmos,” completed in 1969. It became a significant cultural hub for the city, attracting audiences with its unique architectural solutions and programs.
Present day
Today, the former Shakhtyor Hotel building is known as the five-star Donbass Palace Hotel, having undergone extensive renovation and modernization in the early 2000s. It maintains its status as one of the most prestigious hotels in Donetsk. The Donetsk State Circus “Kosmos” continues its operations, serving as the region’s center for circus arts and largely retaining its original architectural appearance, characteristic of Soviet modernism.
Location (map)
Address: Pushkin Boulevard, 8, Donetsk
Coordinates: 48.005175, 37.807851
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the Donetsk State Circus ‘Kosmos’ (Pushkin Boulevard, 8)..
Questions and answers
- What is depicted on the postcard? The postcard depicts the former Shakhtyor Hotel (now Donbass Palace) and the Donetsk State Circus ‘Kosmos’ in Donetsk.
- When were these buildings constructed? The hotel opened in 1970, and the Donetsk State Circus ‘Kosmos’ was completed in 1969.
- How are these buildings used today? The hotel operates as the five-star Donbass Palace Hotel, and the Kosmos Circus continues its work as a center for circus arts.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Donetsk from 1983.
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