This 1983 postcard from Dnepropetrovsk (now Dnipro) features two significant city landmarks: the monument to the Ukrainian poet Taras Hryhorovych Shevchenko and the building of the Ukrainian Music and Drama Theatre, also named after him.
What is shown on the postcard
The upper part of the postcard shows the monument to Taras Shevchenko, depicting a full-length figure of the poet on a tall, trapezoidal granite pedestal. Surrounding the monument is a well-maintained flowerbed with flowers and walking paths, where city residents are seen strolling or resting. Behind it, tree foliage and a patch of sky are visible.
The lower part of the postcard displays the facade of the Dnepropetrovsk Ukrainian Music and Drama Theatre named after T.H. Shevchenko. The street scene includes a roadway with Soviet-era cars (a red “Moskvich” and a white “Zhiguli”) and trees lining the sidewalk. A decorative sculptural composition is visible on the roof of the theatre building.
Historical note
The monument to T.H. Shevchenko on Monastyrsky Island was unveiled on June 10, 1959. It is one of the largest monuments to the poet in Ukraine and symbolizes the region’s cultural heritage. Pre-revolutionary Yekaterinoslav (the old name for Dnipro) honored Shevchenko, and the question of a monument was raised as early as the beginning of the 20th century.
The history of the Dnepropetrovsk Ukrainian Music and Drama Theatre named after T.H. Shevchenko dates back to 1918. The building depicted on the postcard was constructed in the early 20th century for the English Club and was later re-equipped for theatrical purposes. Its architectural appearance reflects the style of that era and is part of the historical urban fabric of the city center.
Present day
Both objects depicted on the postcard continue to play an important role in the cultural life of modern Dnipro. The monument to Taras Shevchenko on Monastyrsky Island remains a popular place for leisure and gatherings, as well as a symbol of Ukrainian identity. Monastyrsky Island as a whole is one of the city’s main recreational areas.
The Dnepropetrovsk Academic Ukrainian Music and Drama Theatre named after T.H. Shevchenko actively functions, offering a diverse repertoire. The theatre building is well-maintained, and its exterior has largely retained its historical appearance. Modern Dnipro continues to develop its cultural traditions while preserving the architectural heritage of both the Soviet period and earlier epochs.
Location (map)
Address: Voskresenska Street, 5, Dnipro, Ukraine
Coordinates: 48.463300, 35.048300
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates for the central part of Dnipro city, near the T.H. Shevchenko Ukrainian Music and Drama Theatre..
Questions and answers
- When was the T.H. Shevchenko Monument on Monastyrsky Island unveiled? The T.H. Shevchenko Monument on Monastyrsky Island was unveiled on June 10, 1959.
- What is the modern name of the city depicted on the postcard? The city, formerly known as Dnepropetrovsk, is now called Dnipro.
- What was the original historical purpose of the theatre building? The theatre building was originally constructed for the English Club in the early 20th century.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Dnipro from 1983.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.