State buildings in Kiev
State buildings in Kiev are vivid reminders of the architecture of the Stalinist era.
In 1934, the capital of Ukrainian Soviet Republic was moved from Kharkov to Kiev. So, all administrative organizations were to be removed, too. In fact, Kiev was not ready for this because of the lack of buildings able to accommodate state organizations. That’s why, Soviet architects started massive constructions of state buildings in the middle of 30th.
The Cabinet of Ministers
This edifice, housing the Government of Ukraine, is the tallest state building in Kiev, massive and pompous one. Its surface is about 235 000 m2. It was planned for the Soviet government, but all the time it serves as the Cabinet of Ministry.
Architectural planning of the Cabinet of Ministers represents special interest. Central part of the edifice is ten-stored, side parts are of seven and eight levels. Rounded corridors and shapes of building were planned in a such way for the security of Soviet leaders.
Probably, there is a system of underground pathways leading from this building to the Supreme Council and serving as an escape way, but such information is not officially proved.
Location: 12/2, Hrushevsky street
The Parliament of Ukraine
From ancient times till Russian Empire époque, the area where present-day Parliament House stands was covered by deep forest. In 18th century, there was a household yard of Tsarist (Mariinskii) Palace.
In late 30th, a well-known Soviet architect Zabolotny planned the Parliament House there. The building was damaged during the WWII and then reconstructed, but any significant change of the original style was made.
Despite that the Parliament House makes part of the Stalinist times architecture, so massive and graceless, this building looks nicer than its equals in age. The impression of weightless of the edifice comes from the glass cupola crowning the Parliament House.
In august 24, 1991, major part of deputies of the debating chamber voted for Independence of Ukraine from the Soviet Union. Five years later, in June, 28, Ukrainian Parliament adopted the Constitution of Ukraine. These two important steps in state formation were made in Supreme Rada building.
The Parlament of Ukraine, also known as Verkhovna Rada, or Supreme Rada, consists of 450 deputies.
Location: 5, Hrushevsky street
Presidential Executive Office
Presidential Executive Office, or President's Administration, is located in Pechersk district, as well as the Parliament House and the Cabinet of Ministers. Its construction was planned for Kiev military command. The design of the building was very succesfull, as being so huge and monumental, the edifice looks to be in harmony with other buildings of the narrow street, and it suits to the local landscape.
Near the President's Administration, one can see a wonderful House with Chimeras, former renthouse that is used now for ceremonial receptions of the President.
Location: 11, Bankova street
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In 1934, not only the district of Pechersk, but the Old City as well, had to be transformed within the grand plan of the construction of state edifices. Soviets didn't regret beautiful churches there. The old church of Three Saints first, and St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery than, were demolished to make space for two monumental state buildings. Fortunately, only one of them was built, as the WWII started. That is how the present-day Ministry of Foreign Affairs was erected, having replaced an old sanctuary.
In Soviet times, the building was housing the Central Commitee of the Ukrainian Communist Party.
Location: 1, Mykhailivska Square
We'd be happy to make you discover state buildings of Kiev on our walking tours.