This 1983 postcard captures a nighttime view of one of Donetsk’s central squares, formerly known as Kommunarov Street, now Pushkin Boulevard. The image depicts a vibrant urban landscape with characteristic architectural and infrastructural elements of the Soviet period.
What is shown on the postcard
The postcard shows a panoramic night view of Donetsk from an elevated perspective, featuring a circular road interchange with a central lawn and a brightly lit underground pedestrian passage. To the right, the multi-story building of the Central Department Store (TSUM) dominates the scene, with a neon slogan glowing on its roof: “Our job is to work without lagging behind, effectively, with high quality!”. The roads are illuminated by streetlights, and the streaks of car headlights appear as long light trails. Another multi-story building is visible in the background on the left.
Historical note
Kommunarov Street was one of Donetsk’s key thoroughfares, later renamed Pushkin Boulevard in 1990. The Central Department Store (TSUM), built in the post-war period and subsequently modernized, was a significant commercial establishment and an architectural landmark. The roundabout and underground passage were part of urban development projects aimed at improving city infrastructure and managing traffic and pedestrian flows in the central area. The neon slogan on the TSUM building reflected the ideological directives and work ethic prevalent during the Soviet era.
Present day
Today, this location remains one of Donetsk’s central and recognizable areas. Key architectural elements, such as the TSUM building and the underground passage, have retained their function and appearance, although the Soviet-era neon slogan is no longer present. The area continues to play an important role in city life, serving as a transport hub and a concentration point for commercial and public facilities.
Location (map)
Address: Donetsk, Pushkin Boulevard, Central Department Store (TSUM) area
Coordinates: 48.016900, 37.805500
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Geographical reference to the Central Department Store (TSUM) and the roundabout with an underground passage on Pushkin Boulevard, Donetsk..
Questions and answers
- What building is depicted on the postcard? The postcard depicts the Central Department Store (TSUM) in Donetsk, located on Pushkin Boulevard.
- What message did the neon slogan on the building convey in 1983? The neon slogan urged: “Our job is to work without lagging behind, effectively, with high quality!”.
- What was the name of the street on the postcard in 1983? In 1983, the street was called Kommunarov Street, and it was later renamed Pushkin Boulevard.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Donetsk from 1983.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.