This 1974 collectible postcard shows the building of the State Russian Drama Theatre named after A. P. Chekhov in Chișinău, Moldavian SSR.
What is shown on the postcard
The photograph captures the modernist facade of the theatre building, featuring a colonnade on the upper level and a glazed ground floor. A sign reading “ТЕАТР им. А.П. ЧЕХОВА” is installed on the roof. In the foreground, passersby, a wooden bench, landscaping elements, young spruce, and deciduous trees framing the shot are visible. Playbills are displayed on the ground floor windows.
Historical note
The State Russian Drama Theatre of the Moldavian SSR was established in 1934 in Tiraspol and relocated to Chișinău in 1940. Starting in 1913, the site was occupied by the Choral Synagogue, the city’s main Jewish temple. After World War II, the ruined synagogue building was reconstructed into a theatre based on a design by architect R. Kurtz.
The reconstruction was completed in 1966, giving the structure its modernist appearance while retaining some structural walls of the original historic building.
Present day
Today, the venue continues to operate as the State Russian Drama Theatre named after A. P. Chekhov (Teatrul Dramatic Rus de Stat „A. P. Cehov”). The building preserves its late-Soviet modernist architecture and remains a key cultural landmark in the historic center of Chișinău.
Location (map)
Address: 75 Vlaicu Pârcălab St, Chișinău, Moldova
Coordinates: 47.022872, 28.835311
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Google Maps.
Questions and answers
- What year was this postcard published? The postcard was published in 1974.
- What was located on this site before World War II? From 1913, the site was occupied by the Choral Synagogue, which was later reconstructed into the theatre.
- Who was the architect behind the theatre reconstruction? The reconstruction design was developed by architect R. Kurtz.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Chișinău from 1974.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.