Card The building of the Belarusian State Drama Theater named after Yakub. Vitebsk, 1976

This 1976 Soviet postcard showcases a scenic panorama of central Vitebsk, featuring the monumental building of the Yakub Kolas Belarusian State Academic Dramatic Theater.

What is shown on the postcard

In the foreground, the Kirov Bridge spanning the Western Dvina River is depicted with active pedestrian and vehicle traffic, including classic Soviet LiAZ and PAZ buses. In the background on the hill stands the neoclassical theater building with its massive eight-column portico. In the far upper-left corner, the tower of the Vitebsk Town Hall is visible.

Historical note

The theater building was constructed in 1958, designed by architects A. Maksimov and I. Ryskina, on Millennium Square (formerly Theater Square). The theater’s troupe was originally established in 1926 from graduates of the Belarusian Drama Studio in Moscow. The Kirov Bridge, also shown, was completed in 1955 to replace the Dvina Bridge destroyed during World War II.

Present day

Today, the theater holds the prestigious status of the Yakub Kolas National Academic Drama Theatre and remains fully active. The building has preserved its historic mid-20th-century neoclassical appearance and interiors. The Kirov Bridge and surrounding embankments have been modernized while preserving their original architectural features.

Location (map)

Address: 2 Zamkavaya St, Vitebsk, Belarus

Coordinates: 55.195240, 30.201720
(Google Maps)

Coordinate source: Coordinates of the Yakub Kolas National Academic Drama Theatre in Vitebsk..

Questions and answers

• What building is depicted on the postcard? The postcard depicts the Yakub Kolas Belarusian State Academic Dramatic Theater in Vitebsk.
• What bridge is visible in the foreground? The foreground shows the Kirov Bridge over the Western Dvina River, which was completed in 1955.
• When was the theater building constructed? The theater building was constructed in 1958 based on the design of architects A. Maksimov and I. Ryskina.

See also

• Vitebsk postcards
• 1976 postcards

The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Vitebsk from 1976.