This 1958 postcard features the Poltava Local History Museum, housed in the historic building of the former Governorate Zemstvo.
What is shown on the postcard
The image captures the facade of the building designed in the Ukrainian Art Nouveau style. Visible features include characteristic towers with spires, a tiled roof, trapezoidal window openings, patterned brickwork, and majolica decorative elements showing coats of arms of Poltava Governorate towns. A low green shrub is planted in front of the building. Two figures of passersby are visible in the lower left corner.
Historical note
The Governorate Zemstvo building was constructed between 1903 and 1908 based on the design of architect Vasyl Krychevsky, becoming a seminal monument of Ukrainian architectural Art Nouveau. During World War II in 1943, the building was severely damaged by fire and largely gutted. In the post-war years, it was restored by architects P. Kostyrko, V. Krachmer, and others, preserving its original exterior look.
Present day
Today, the building continues to house the Poltava Local History Museum, named after Vasyl Krychevsky. It holds the status of an architectural monument of national significance and remains one of the city’s key landmarks.
Location (map)
Address: 2 Konstytutsii Str, Poltava, Poltava Oblast, Ukraine
Coordinates: 49.581900, 34.558300
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the Poltava Local History Museum building (former Governorate Zemstvo).
Questions and answers
- Which building is depicted on the 1958 postcard? The postcard depicts the Poltava Local History Museum, originally constructed in the early 20th century as the Governorate Zemstvo building.
- Who designed this building? The building was designed in the Ukrainian Art Nouveau style by architect Vasyl Krychevsky between 1903 and 1908.
- Was the building damaged during World War II? Yes, the building was burned and severely damaged in 1943; it was restored during the post-war period while keeping its historic facade intact.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Poltava from 1958.
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