Kiev City Duma building, City council building in central Khreschatyk, Ukraine
The Kiev City Duma was a three-story brick structure with a prominent spire originally crowned by a statue of Archangel Michael created by sculptor Yeva Kulikovska. The solid, straightforward design anchored the central square where the city's administrative work took place.
The structure was built in 1878 following architect Aleksandr Shile's design with a budget of 180,000 rubles and served as Kyiv's main administrative center. It stood for more than 60 years until Soviet forces destroyed it in 1941 during military operations on Khreschatyk street.
The building reflected the city's shifting rule, with its original Archangel Michael statue eventually replaced by a Soviet star during the Soviet era. These visible changes on the facade tell the story of who held power at different times.
The building stood at Dumskaya Ploschad, now called Maidan Nezalezhnosti, in the heart of central Kyiv at coordinates 50.4507, 30.5244. Its central location made it an important landmark for understanding the city's administrative history and urban layout.
The structure was destroyed in 1941 when Soviet forces triggered explosions along Khreschatyk street during military operations. Today, the site where it once stood remains part of the city's central square, serving as a quiet reminder of this dramatic chapter.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
