Card Khreshchatyk. Kyiv, 1979

A collectible 1979 view postcard featuring a panoramic perspective of Kyiv’s central street, Khreshchatyk.

What is shown on the postcard

The image captures an elevated view of the Khreshchatyk roadway with late 1970s traffic and pedestrian sidewalks. In the foreground on the right is a multi-story residential building with ground-floor retail, followed by the monumental residential high-rise with a spire (building No. 25). Dense rows of green trees line the avenue.

Historical note

The post-war architectural ensemble of Khreshchatyk was constructed in the 1940s and 1950s following the severe destruction during World War II. The central landmark of this section is the 15-story Stalinist Empire style residential high-rise at No. 25. During the Soviet era, the ground floors of these buildings traditionally housed prominent shops, including the famous “Druzhba” (Friendship) bookstore.

Present day

Today, the architectural appearance of this section of Khreshchatyk remains largely intact and is designated as a protected architectural monument. The functional use of the ground-floor retail spaces has changed to host modern boutiques, cafes, and offices. The street continues to serve as the main public space of the city.

Location (map)

Address: 23-27 Khreshchatyk St, Kyiv, Ukraine

Coordinates: 50.444800, 30.521600
(Google Maps)

Coordinate source: 25 Khreshchatyk St.

Questions and answers

• Which prominent building is visible in the center of the frame? The 15-story residential high-rise with a spire at No. 25, built in the Stalinist Empire style, stands out in the center.
• When was this section of Khreshchatyk reconstructed? The architectural ensemble of this area was built during the post-war reconstruction of Kyiv in the 1940s and 1950s.
• What occupied the ground floors of these buildings during the Soviet era? During the Soviet period, the ground floors traditionally housed large retail venues, such as the famous “Druzhba” bookstore.

See also

• Kyiv postcards
• 1979 postcards

The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Kyiv from 1979.