Card Khreshchatyk. Kyiv, 1980

A 1980 Soviet two-panel postcard showing the main thoroughfare of Kyiv — Khreshchatyk Street.

What is shown on the postcard

The left panel of the postcard shows a detailed fragment of the facade of a multi-story residential building in the Stalinist Empire style, featuring arched openings on the ground floor, balustrades, and decorative elements. Pedestrians in summer clothing from the late 1970s and early 1980s walk along the sidewalk. The right, wider panel presents a high-angle panoramic view of Khreshchatyk. It features a busy roadway, dense green chestnut trees along the sidewalks, and the ensemble of post-war residential buildings topped by a high-rise with a spire.

Historical note

Khreshchatyk Street was almost completely destroyed during World War II in September 1941. In the late 1940s and 1950s, a large-scale reconstruction took place, significantly widening the street and developing it with a unified architectural ensemble in the Soviet Neoclassical style (also known as Stalinist Empire). The famous Kyiv chestnut trees, which became one of the city’s main symbols, were planted along the avenue.

Present day

Today, Khreshchatyk retains its status as the main street of Ukraine’s capital. The post-war architectural complex is protected as an urban planning monument. On weekends and public holidays, the roadway is partially closed to traffic and becomes pedestrian-only. The street’s appearance has evolved with the addition of modern storefronts, signage, and updated urban infrastructure.

Location (map)

Address: Khreshchatyk St, Kyiv, Ukraine

Coordinates: 50.444400, 30.522200
(Google Maps)

Coordinate source: Central part of Khreshchatyk Street, landmark — building No. 25 with the Soviet star on the spire..

Questions and answers

• Which building is visible in the background of the right panel? In the background of the right panel, the high-rise residential building with a spire, known as Khreshchatyk Street No. 25, stands out, built in the Stalinist Empire style.
• What are the key architectural features of Khreshchatyk shown on the postcard? The architecture represents a unified post-war ensemble in the Soviet Neoclassical style, built during the reconstruction of the street following its destruction in World War II.
• Is Khreshchatyk currently closed for pedestrians? Yes, today, on weekends and public holidays, vehicle traffic on Khreshchatyk is traditionally restricted, converting the street into a pedestrian zone.

See also

• Kyiv postcards
• 1980 postcards

The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Kyiv from 1980.