House with Chimaeras

Kyiv, Ukraine

House with Chimaeras or Horodecki House is an Art Nouveau building located in the historic Lypky neighborhood of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Situated across the street from the President of Ukraine's office at No. 10, Bankova Street, the building has been used as a presidential residence for official and diplomatic ceremonies since 2005. The street in front of the building is closed off to all automobile traffic, and is now a patrolled pedestrian zone due to its proximity to the Presidential Administration building.

The Polish architect Władysław Horodecki originally constructed the House with Chimaeras for use as his own upmarket apartment building during the period of 1901–1902. However, as the years went by, Horodecki eventually had to sell the building due to financial troubles, after which it changed ownership numerous times before finally being occupied by an official Communist Party polyclinic until the early 2000s. When the building was vacated, its interior and exterior decor were fully reconstructed and restored according to Horodecki's original plans.

The building derives its popular name from the ornate decorations depicting exotic animals and hunting scenes, which were sculpted by Italian architect Emilio Sala, since Horodecki was an avid hunter. The name does not refer to the chimaera of mythology, but to an architectural style known as chimaera decoration in which animal figures are applied as decorative elements to a building. Horodecki's unique architectural style earned him praise as the Antoni Gaudí of Kyiv.

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Marker
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors

Address

Bankova Street 10, Kyiv, Ukraine
See all sites in Kyiv

Details

Founded: 1901-1902
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Ukraine

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Magnus Pacificus (5 months ago)
As an American who traveled through Ukraine a dozen years ago, it has been inspiring to see your courageous defense and now counter attack against this unjust invasion. May you win the war decisively and soon!!
Valerii Rozizdnyi (9 months ago)
The House with Chimeras is one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in Kyiv and a major tourist attraction. Located in the city center on Bankova Street, it is renowned for its unique architecture and design. The building was designed by the renowned architect Vladislav Gorodetsky in the early Art Nouveau style and constructed in 1901-1902. Its most striking feature is the presence of various sculptural ornaments in the form of chimeras adorning the facade of the building. Chimeras are mythical creatures with elements of different animals, embodied in the form of sculptures, creating a unique atmosphere of mystery and mystique. The House with Chimeras has become a popular spot for photography and visits by tourists who appreciate architectural masterpieces and the uniqueness of the city.
MELİH AŞANLI (3 years ago)
The outside of the building is great. They did not take it. There was a nice show inside, but the attendant at the door said he needed a special invitation. We came back empty-handed. I don't know any more about the building. There was a small but lovely cristmans celebration down the street in front of it. a good resting place. It's a good idea to stop by and have a look at the building.
Ca2003o Zahra Hassanzadeh (3 years ago)
This place is really beautiful and has an amazing building. It is a very beautiful place for Christmas and New Year.??✨?
James New (4 years ago)
A very unique archrctectural building. A must see for first visitors to Kyiv.
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