The October Palace (Kiev): History and Architecture

One of the visiting cards of the capital of Ukraine is the October Palace. Kiev Proud of the architectural creation and tremblingly preserves even the darkest pages of his history.

The masterpiece of Vikenty and Alexander Beretti

In 1834, General Dmitry Begichev presented his estate to a three-story building at Kiev University. But at the request of the city government the site was transferred to the construction of the Institute of Noble Maidens. Construction began in 1838 and lasted for five years.

The famous Kiev architect, Vikenti Beretti, chose the style of late classicism. But to finish what was begun has not worked out - he died earlier and his son Alexander finished his work. The main building was three-story. It housed both living rooms (for teachers, pupils and servants), and directly classes for classes. In the semicircular rizalit there were Orthodox and Catholic churches. Around the buildings a park was divided with alleys and gazebos, and the territory was surrounded by a high fence.

Then no one suspected that in just a hundred years, the townspeople, mentioning the creation of father and son Beretti, would speak of him: "The October Palace". Kiev Solemnly opened a new building of the Institute of Noble Maidens.

Where did the noble maidens study and what did they learn?

Girls of noble birth at the age of 8 to 13 years had the right to practice at the boarding house of noble maidens at public expense. The merchant's daughters came here after their fathers or trustees paid a considerable price (350 rubles in silver per year). It was a boarding school, in which they received an aesthetic and ethical education. Here studied:

• Russian literature and literature;
• Foreign languages (Polish, German and French);
• Theology (Orthodox or Catholic) and church singing;
• Geography and history;
• Arithmetic;
• The fundamentals of mineralogy and physics;
• Drawing and graphics;
• dancing;
• Needlework and housekeeping.

The course of science lasted six years. The program was divided into three forms, each for two years. At the end of the school and receiving a diploma, graduates were allowed to hold the positions of governesses in the families of noblemen and merchants. So in the middle of the XIX century the Oktyabrsky Palace (Kiev) was the forge of the pedagogical staff of the region. Although in fact among the graduates you can find famous writers, singers and pianists.

The best teachers of the Kiev gymnasiums and the professor of the Kiev Imperial University of St. Vladimir passed on their knowledge to the girls. Among them were such famous scientists as Nikolai von Bunge, Vitaly Shulgin, Nikolai Kostomarov and Nikolai Lysenko.

Over time, the institution of noble maidens has become so popular that those who wished to study in it were significantly more than allowed the facilities of the institution. Institutskaya street, which housed the building, was renamed (formerly the street of General Begicheva) for the same reason.

The Soviet era

The new government brought changes in all spheres of life. So, in 1919 the Institute of Noble Maidens was closed due to the absence of such in the country. And the street was named in honor of the proletarian revolution - October 25. Here for a short time the state institutions were located, then the technical school of the tanning industry settled.

A new milestone in the history of the building is associated with the return to the city of the status of the republican capital in 1934. October Palace (Kiev) became the residence of the NKVD. In its cellars, there were cells for political prisoners, as well as premises for torture and shooting. Here the best representatives of the Ukrainian intelligentsia - writers, artists, actors, doctors, lawyers, military men were tortured and killed. All those who believed the new government, and did not exchange the Motherland for a life in emigration.

Ruin and recovery

The Second World War destroyed the building to the ground. His revival (in 1952-1958) by a team of architects led by Alexei Zavarov became a truly nationwide enterprise. At the construction site, half of Kiev's residents worked - workers, students, high school students, as well as artists and artists. It was from this moment on that the official name of the building began to be pronounced, like the October Palace. Kiev opened the doors of the palace for the first spectators on December 24, 1957.

By the mid-1970s, this place had become the main stage of the country. The auditorium accommodated up to 2,200 people. Here were the most important speeches, concerts, meetings and congresses of Ukraine. Every year New Year parties took place here. In addition, the palace opened various sections - classical ballet, folk dance, vocals and folk songs.

International Center of Culture and Arts

New time has breathed new political forces into the political and cultural sphere of the country. The energetic wind of the 1991 changes gave millions of Ukrainians hope for a new life. Saying goodbye to the recent past, whole cities and avenues, organizations and squares were renamed. Under the general buzz of geographical and topographic innovations, Institutskaya Street regained its pre-Soviet name.

The palace all this time remained the real center of the spiritual capital of Ukraine. So, his library boasts a unique collection of books of over 70,000 volumes. Various events take place here with the participation of famous writers, composers, diplomats, politicians, members of parliament and other public figures who contribute to the spiritual revival of Ukraine. The well-lit and spacious halls of the foyer regularly become the venue for a variety of exhibitions. The Center's capacities range from family celebrations to major international conferences, symposiums, seminars and congresses.

Already in the XXI century the palace became the International Center of Culture and Arts. Competitions and festivals organized here become folk festivals. Professional and amateur theatrical companies and concert ensembles from different countries consider it an honor to appear on his stage.

And the public, out of habit, talking about the Center, Speaks aloud the "October Palace" (Kiev). Address The people's institution has recently changed again. The building is still located not far from the Independence Square on the hill at No. 1, but along the street of Heavenly Hundred.