A 1979 Soviet postcard featuring the Red Building of the Kyiv State University named after T. G. Shevchenko on Volodymyrska Street.
What is shown on the postcard
The image captures the monumental Red Building of the university with its signature red facade and classical eight-column portico. Thick green chestnut and poplar trees grow in front of the building. On the roadway of Volodymyrska Street, Soviet-era cars (VAZ, GAZ-24), buses (Ikarus, LAZ), and a pedestrian crossing are visible. In the background on the right, the yellow building of the Mykhailo Maksymovych Scientific Library is noticeable.
Historical note
The main (Red) building of the university was constructed between 1837 and 1843 in the Classicist style, designed by architect Vincent Beretti. The unusual red color of the walls combined with the black details of the columns corresponds to the colors of the Order of St. Vladimir, whose name the university bore until the revolution. In 1939, the institution was named after Taras Shevchenko. By the time of the photo in 1979, the university was one of the leading scientific and educational centers of the USSR.
Present day
Today, the Red Building remains the primary symbol of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and is designated as an architectural monument of national significance. Volodymyrska Street in front of it retains its historical layout, though traffic volume has significantly increased, and the road markings and signs have been updated to modern standards.
Location (map)
Address: 60 Volodymyrska St, Kyiv, Ukraine
Coordinates: 50.441900, 30.511100
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the Red Building of Kyiv University.
Questions and answers
- In what style was the Red Building constructed? The building was constructed in the Classicist style according to the design of architect Vincent Beretti in 1837–1843.
- Why is the building painted red? The red color of the walls and the black details of the columns match the colors of the Order of St. Vladimir.
- What building is visible in the background on the right? The yellow building of the Mykhailo Maksymovych Scientific Library is visible on the right in the background.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Kyiv from 1979.
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