House of the Metropolitan, Government building in Lypky district, Kyiv, Ukraine.
The House of the Metropolitan is a government building with ten floors rising approximately 35 meters, distinguished by its curved main facade along Hrushevskyi Street featuring tall Corinthian columns of 2.5 meters each. The structure combines raw Tulchyn labradorite blocks for lower levels with polished granite trim and currently serves as offices for the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
Built between 1936 and 1938 by architects Ivan Fomin and Pavel Abrosimov, the building held the status of Kyiv's tallest structure from 1941 to 1954. Decorative elements including metal flagpoles and ornamental gates were added in 1947 to enhance the building's exterior presence.
The exterior design showcases elements of Ukrainian architectural tradition through its use of Tulchyn labradorite and granite, which were valued materials in the region. These materials and the grand columns reflect how the building was meant to represent authority and permanence in the city.
The building is connected to other government structures through underground tunnels, making it part of an integrated administrative complex in the Lypky district. Access may be restricted to certain areas, so checking availability and conditions before visiting is advisable.
The structure incorporates specific air defense measures directly into its architectural design, reflecting its importance during the mid-20th century. These defensive elements are subtly integrated into the overall form, making them less obvious to casual observers.
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