A 1970 archival postcard depicting the building of the Taras Shevchenko Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre in Kyiv.
What is shown on the postcard
The photograph captures the main facade of the opera and ballet theatre building during the warm season. In front of the building, blooming chestnut trees partially obscure the lower tier of the facade, and a greenish-blue GAZ-21 “Volga” passenger car is visible on the street. A multi-story city building is visible in the background on the right.
Historical note
The theatre building was constructed in 1901 based on the design by architect Victor Schröter, replacing the City Theatre that burned down in 1896. During the Soviet period, the theatre received academic status and was named after Taras Shevchenko. In the 1930s, a major reconstruction in the Constructivist style was planned, but it was never executed, which helped preserve its original Neo-Renaissance appearance.
Present day
Today, it is the Taras Shevchenko National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre of Ukraine. A major reconstruction was carried out in the 1980s, which expanded the stage area and renovated the interior spaces. The building remains a key architectural landmark in central Kyiv at the intersection of Volodymyrska and Bohdana Khmelnytskoho streets.
Location (map)
Address: 50 Volodymyrska St, Kyiv, Ukraine
Coordinates: 50.446944, 30.512500
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the Taras Shevchenko National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.
Questions and answers
- What is depicted in the foreground of the postcard? In front of the theatre building, blooming chestnut trees and a GAZ-21 “Volga” passenger car are depicted.
- Who designed this theatre building? The building was constructed based on the design by architect Victor Schröter, replacing the burned-down old theatre.
- When was the major reconstruction of the building carried out? The major reconstruction of the theatre building was carried out in the 1980s.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Kyiv from 1970.
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