A collectible Soviet postcard from 1979 featuring a panoramic view of the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR building in Kyiv (now the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine).
What is shown on the postcard
The image captures the main facade of the monumental three-story building with an eight-column Corinthian portico. The attic features a bas-relief of the coat of arms of the Ukrainian SSR, while the side pylons display relief images of the hammer and sickle. The foreground shows the spacious plaza in front of the building, paved with patterned geometric tiles. To the right, an alley of Mariinsky (then Soviet) Park and the side facade of Mariinsky Palace are visible.
Historical note
The building of the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR was constructed in 1936–1939 according to the design of architect Volodymyr Zabolotny, following the relocation of the capital of Soviet Ukraine from Kharkiv to Kyiv. The central design feature is a flat glass dome providing natural light to the session hall. For this project, Volodymyr Zabolotny was awarded the State Prize in 1940.
During World War II, the building suffered severe damage from fires but was restored between 1945 and 1947 under the author’s supervision. During the reconstruction, a semi-circular inner courtyard was added, expanding the administrative spaces.
Present day
Today, the building serves as the meeting place of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The architectural complex is designated as a monument of national importance. Soviet symbols, including the coat of arms of the UkrSSR on the facade and the hammers and sickles, have been dismantled in compliance with decommunization laws.
Location (map)
Address: 5 Mykhaila Hrushevskoho St, Kyiv, Ukraine
Coordinates: 50.447321, 30.537482
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine building (former Supreme Soviet of the UkrSSR).
Questions and answers
- When was the Supreme Soviet of the UkrSSR building constructed? The construction took place between 1936 and 1939, designed by architect Volodymyr Zabolotny.
- Who designed this building? The chief architect of the project was Volodymyr Zabolotny, who received the State Prize for this work in 1940.
- What changes did the building’s facade undergo in the modern era? As part of decommunization, Soviet symbols, including the UkrSSR coat of arms and the hammer and sickle reliefs, were dismantled from the facade.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Kyiv from 1979.
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