In the XXth century, the Taras Shevchenko National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater of Ukraine, also known as the Kyiv Opera House, attracted large audiences in the capital. It is one of the three most beautiful theaters in Ukraine and has a long history, moments of which have been captured in photographs.
Apostrophe will show what the Opera House looked like almost 100 years ago.
The first photo takes the viewers back to the 1930s, when it was already possible to capture city trams passing near the Opera House.
It is interesting to mention that the Taras Shevchenko National Opera and Ballet Theater of Ukraine, also known as the Kyiv Opera House, was built according to a project by architect Viсtor Schröter between 1898 and 1901.
The other photo is from 1930-1932. You can see a large queue at the entrance of the National Opera House, and the front of the building decorated with flags.
A plan to modernize the Kyiv Theater was considered in the 1930s. However, the changes were limited to minor innovations, such as the addition of a two-story rehearsal room to the rear of the building.
The third photo was probably taken in 1942. One can see the majestic facade of the Opera House being elevated while passersby continue to hurry about their business. Along with horse-drawn carriages, it was possible to capture cars, a combination that may create a certain dissonance.
The next photo is "Kyiv City Opera House, early XX century". The photo is of somewhat better quality and allows us to see the decoration of the Opera House. It is an architectural ensemble in the Neo-Renaissance style that impresses with its majesty and perfection.
Its façade, designed in semi-oval shapes, is richly decorated with stucco moldings, with deep arches that visually raise the building upwards. Above the main entrance are sculptures of mythical winged female figures. Initially, the roof was supposed to feature a coat of arms depicting the Archangel Michael, but instead it was decorated with allegorical griffins holding a lyre as a symbol of musical art.
The architect Viсtor Schröter paid special attention to the luxurious facade décor, rhythm and overall appearance of the theater. In the past, the theater had steam heating, high-quality stage equipment and air conditioning, and was famous for its excellent acoustics. Located on a small square, the theater became the compositional and aesthetic center of the district.
Earlier, we published photos of a historic wooden house on Andriyivskyi Descent in Kyiv from the mid-50s of the XX century.