This 1983 postcard captures Karl Marx Avenue in Dnepropetrovsk (now Dnipro). The image is divided into two parts, showcasing different architectural eras and prominent landmarks of the avenue, including the famous “Book House”.
What is shown on the postcard
The upper part of the postcard shows a panorama of a bustling avenue with a multi-story residential building featuring Stalinist architecture, adorned with columns, stucco, and bas-reliefs. Flowerbeds line the roadway, and pedestrians and cars are visible. The lower part of the postcard presents a close-up of the then-modern multi-story “Book House” building with an adjacent commercial pavilion. A wide avenue with vehicular traffic and pedestrian crossings runs in front of the building.
Historical note
Karl Marx Avenue, historically known as Ekaterininsky Prospekt (or Katerynoslavsky Prospekt), was the main transport and architectural axis of Dnepropetrovsk. The “Book House” building, located on the avenue, was constructed in the early 1980s and became a significant cultural and commercial center of the city. It comprised a complex including a bookstore and a multi-story residential section. The Stalinist-era building in the upper part of the postcard, known as the “Chinese Wall,” was erected in the 1950s and is a striking example of Soviet neoclassicism.
Present day
Today, Karl Marx Avenue is known as Dmytro Yavornytsky Avenue and continues to be the central street of Dnipro. The former “Book House” building largely retains its functional purpose, continuing commercial activities, including book sales, but also housing other businesses. The “Chinese Wall” building remains residential and is one of the recognizable architectural dominants of the avenue.
Location (map)
Address: Dmytro Yavornytsky Avenue, 53, Dnipro, Ukraine
Coordinates: 48.460140, 35.048740
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the “Book House” building at Dmytro Yavornytsky Avenue, 53, Dnipro..
Questions and answers
- What was the name of the avenue depicted on the postcard? The postcard depicts Karl Marx Avenue, which was previously called Ekaterininsky Prospekt (Katerynoslavsky Prospekt).
- What building is visible in the lower part of the postcard? The lower part of the postcard shows the “Book House” building, constructed in the early 1980s.
- What is Karl Marx Avenue called today? Today, Karl Marx Avenue is called Dmytro Yavornytsky Avenue.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Dnipro from 1983.
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