This dual-view Soviet postcard from 1985 showcases two prominent architectural landmarks of Kherson: the historic Shovkunenko Art Museum and the modernist Yubileiny Cinema and Concert Hall.
What is shown on the postcard
The left side of the postcard depicts a fragment of the Kherson Art Museum facade (formerly the City Duma) with its famous eclectic clock tower, surrounded by lush green trees and young spruces. The right side features the main facade of the Yubileiny Cinema and Concert Hall, displaying its distinctive concave cable-suspended roof and extensive glazing, fronted by a lawn with young conifers.
Historical note
The City Duma building on the left was constructed at the turn of the 20th century, designed by architect Adolf Minkus, quickly becoming a symbol of Kherson. In 1978, it was repurposed to house the local art museum. The Yubileiny Cinema and Concert Hall on the right opened in 1970 to mark the centenary of Vladimir Lenin, serving as a striking example of Soviet modernism with its innovative cable-net structure that eliminated internal pillars.
Present day
Both buildings remain key cultural assets of Kherson. The Shovkunenko Art Museum and the Yubileiny Hall are recognized architectural monuments. Their original structural forms have been preserved to this day, though the surrounding parkland vegetation has evolved over the decades.
Location (map)
Address: 34 Soborna St, Kherson, Ukraine
Coordinates: 46.630045, 32.613385
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates point to the Shovkunenko Art Museum building (former City Duma) on the left side of the postcard..
Questions and answers
- What building is shown on the left side of the postcard? The left side shows the former City Duma building, constructed at the turn of the 20th century, which has housed the Kherson Art Museum named after O. Shovkunenko since 1978.
- When was the Yubileiny Cinema and Concert Hall built? The Yubileiny Cinema and Concert Hall, shown on the right, was opened in 1970.
- What architectural styles do these buildings represent? The museum building is designed in an eclectic style with Neo-Renaissance elements, while the Yubileiny Concert Hall represents Soviet modernism.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Kherson from 1985.
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