Card The building of the executive committee. Gyumri, Leninakan), 1972

The 1972 postcard captures the central part of Leninakan (now Gyumri, Armenia), featuring the building of the Executive Committee of the City Council of Workers’ Deputies and the adjacent Lenin Square, a key architectural ensemble of the city during the Soviet period.

What is shown on the postcard

In the foreground of the postcard, a wide fountain with several jets is actively functioning. Beyond the fountain lies a spacious city square, lined with trees. Dominating the center of the composition is the monumental Executive Committee building, characterized by a prominent semicircular central section, topped with a red flag. Soviet-era cars and a few pedestrians are present on the square.

Historical note

The Executive Committee building in Leninakan, constructed in the mid-20th century, was one of the symbols of the city’s administrative and socio-political center. It was located on Lenin Square, which, prior to the 1988 earthquake, was one of the main squares of Leninakan, the second-largest city of the Armenian SSR. The building’s design reflected principles of Soviet architecture with elements of the national Armenian style, characteristic of large public structures of that era.

Present day

Currently, Leninakan is known as Gyumri, and the former Executive Committee building continues to serve administrative functions as the Gyumri City Hall. Lenin Square has been renamed Vardanants Square. Despite significant destruction caused by the 1988 Spitak earthquake, the City Hall building itself was restored and renovated, preserving its historical appearance and architectural integrity.

Location (map)

Address: Vardanants Square, Gyumri, Armenia

Coordinates: 40.785000, 43.844440
(Google Maps)

Coordinate source: Gyumri City Hall (former Leninakan Executive Committee building) on Vardanants Square (former Lenin Square)..

Questions and answers

• What building is depicted on the 1972 postcard from Leninakan? The postcard depicts the Executive Committee building of the City Council of Workers’ Deputies, which is now the Gyumri City Hall.
• What was the name of the square in front of the Executive Committee building in 1972? In 1972, the square in front of the Executive Committee building was called Lenin Square.
• What is the modern name for the city of Leninakan? The modern name for the city of Leninakan is Gyumri.

See also

• Leninakan postcards
• 1972 postcards

The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Leninakan from 1972.