A collectible two-panel postcard from 1980, illustrating the contrast between the classic architecture of the Kyiv Opera House and the modernist design of the Ukraina Palace.
What is shown on the postcard
The left panel of the postcard depicts the historic building of the T. G. Shevchenko State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre surrounded by blooming chestnut trees. The right panel features the Ukraina Palace of Culture, a modernist glass-and-concrete structure, with pedestrians and flagpoles in the foreground.
Historical note
The Kyiv Opera House was built at the turn of the 20th century, designed by architect Victor Schröter to replace the burned-down City Theatre. The Ukraina Palace was opened much later, in 1970, serving as a major socio-cultural hub in Soviet Kyiv and a prominent example of Soviet modernism.
Present day
Today, both buildings retain their original functions. The Opera and Ballet Theatre operates as the National Opera of Ukraine, while the Ukraina Palace is now the National Palace of Arts, remaining one of the country’s premier concert venues.
Location (map)
Address: 50 Volodymyrska St, Kyiv, Ukraine
Coordinates: 50.446824, 30.512247
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the Kyiv Opera House building on the left side of the postcard..
Questions and answers
- Which two buildings are shown on the postcard? The left side depicts the historic Kyiv Opera House, and the right side features the modernist Ukraina Palace of Culture.
- When was this postcard issued? This postcard was published in the year 1980.
- What are the modern names of these venues? The Kyiv Opera House is now the National Opera of Ukraine, and the Palace of Culture is the National Palace of Arts ‘Ukraina’.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Kyiv from 1980.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.