This 1957 artistic postcard depicts a monumental building in Odesa, which housed Soviet party and administrative bodies, including the Regional Committee of the CPSU, during the mid-20th century.
What is shown on the postcard
The postcard features a color drawing of the classicist facade of the building. Tree branches frame the composition from the top left. In front of the building, Soviet cars from the 1950s (including a GAZ-M20 ‘Pobeda’ and a dark sedan) are parked on the street. Pedestrians dressed in era-appropriate attire walk along the pavement. The facade is adorned with Corinthian columns, statues in side niches, and a sculptural composition on the roof parapet.
Historical note
The building shown is the former Old Exchange, constructed between 1829 and 1837 under the design of architect Francesco Boffo with contributions from Giorgio Torricelli. The two statues in the niches flanking the main entrance represent Ceres (the goddess of agriculture) and Mercury (the god of commerce), sculpted by Luigi Iorini. Following the establishment of Soviet power, it housed the City Soviet of Workers’ Deputies and other local party committees.
Present day
Today, this architectural landmark at 1 Dumanska Square continues to serve its administrative purpose as the Odesa City Hall. The building has fully retained its neoclassical architecture and remains one of the primary historical sights at the end of Primorsky Boulevard.
Location (map)
Address: 1 Dumanska Square, Odesa, Ukraine
Coordinates: 46.485458, 30.744158
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the Old Exchange building (now Odesa City Hall) on Dumanska Square.
Questions and answers
- Which historical building is depicted on the postcard? The postcard depicts the Old Exchange building in Odesa (built in 1829–1837), which housed Soviet party and municipal authorities in the mid-20th century.
- Who created the sculptures on the facade of the building? The sculptures in the niches (the goddess of agriculture Ceres and the god of commerce Mercury) were created by sculptor Luigi Iorini, while the building was designed by architect Francesco Boffo.
- What currently occupies the depicted building? Today, this historical building on Dumanska Square houses the Odesa City Council (City Hall).
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Odesa from 1957.
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