A 1979 Soviet vintage postcard featuring the V.I. Lenin monument, which stood on the central square of Zhytomyr (currently Sobornyi Square).
What is shown on the postcard
The foreground shows a full-length granite statue of Vladimir Lenin on a massive pedestal made of polished red granite. The Ukrainian inscription ‘ЛЕНІН’ (Lenin) is carved in gilded letters on the front of the pedestal. Flowers are placed at the base. In the background, a standard five-story brick apartment building with balconies and young spruce trees are visible under a clear blue sky.
Historical note
The Lenin monument in Zhytomyr was unveiled in 1964 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Ukrainian SSR. The monument was designed by prominent Soviet sculptors M. K. Vronsky and O. P. Oliynyk. The multi-meter statue stood on the city’s main square, in front of the regional Communist Party headquarters (now the House of Soviets).
Present day
In February 2014, during the Euromaidan events, the monument was toppled from its pedestal. Later, the granite pedestal was also dismantled. The square has been renamed Sobornyi Square, and the site is now used for public events and official state gatherings.
Location (map)
Address: Sobornyi Square, Zhytomyr, Ukraine
Coordinates: 50.254250, 28.657550
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Location of the former V.I. Lenin monument on Sobornyi Square in Zhytomyr.
Questions and answers
- When was this monument erected? The monument to V.I. Lenin in Zhytomyr was officially unveiled in 1964.
- What is visible in the background of the postcard? The background features a standard Soviet five-story residential brick building with green balconies and green trees.
- Does this monument still exist today? No, the monument was toppled in February 2014, and its pedestal was subsequently dismantled.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Zhytomyr from 1979.
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