A 1978 Soviet art postcard capturing a view of the Oktyabr Hotel in Voroshilovgrad (now Luhansk) from the public garden.
What is shown on the postcard
The image shows the monumental five-story brick building of the Oktyabr Hotel, featuring distinctive architectural decor in the Stalinist Empire style with elements of Ukrainian Baroque. In front of the building, a street intersection is visible with a light-colored passenger car (likely a GAZ-24 Volga) and pedestrians. To the left is a small public garden with an active round, bowl-shaped fountain surrounded by trees, including a weeping willow, and lawns with flowerbeds.
Historical note
The hotel building was constructed between 1947 and 1951, designed by the prominent Soviet architect Joseph Karakis. Initially designed under the name “Oktyabr”, the architect faced criticism during construction amid the campaign against “architectural excesses.” Despite this, the hotel became a landmark of the city, combining classical forms with traditional Ukrainian architectural motifs, including its characteristic roof silhouette and shaped gables.
Present day
In the post-Soviet period, the hotel was renamed “Ukraine.” The building has preserved its historical facade and unique architectural appearance, serving as a local architectural monument. The square in front of the hotel and the surrounding area have undergone minor changes, maintaining the general layout of central Luhansk.
Location (map)
Address: 17 Shevchenko Street, Luhansk, Ukraine
Coordinates: 48.574635, 39.301340
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the former Oktyabr (now Ukraine) hotel building at the intersection of Shevchenko and Pushkin streets..
Questions and answers
- What is the historical name of the building on the postcard? The building was constructed as the Oktyabr Hotel.
- Who designed this building? The hotel project was developed by the renowned Soviet architect Joseph Karakis.
- What is the current name of the hotel? In the post-Soviet period, the hotel was renamed Ukraine.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Luhansk from 1978.
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