Quick Guide to Ukrainian Architecture: Opera Theaters

Take a virtual journey to enjoy the unique architecture of opera houses in Ukraine. Listen to the audios to discover more facts about these places.

Odesa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater (1887)CFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy


Large stages, great poles, a wealth of architecture, sculptures, paintings, wide staircases, long corridors, and wall paintings – all this is the creation of the best architects, sculptors, and artists.

Welcome to the mysterious and solemn world of Ukrainian Opera theaters.

National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater of Ukraine (1867)CFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy

Details about the location of the theater
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1. National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater of Ukraine

The National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater of Ukraine, named after Taras Shevchenko, is a Neo-Renaissance building located in the historical center of Kyiv.

National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater of Ukraine (1867)CFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy

Why the Opera is one of the most famous operas and ballet stages in Europe
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The Opera House impresses with its solemnity, luxury, and the sophistication of its interiors. Marble tears, lit by porcelain lamps and large Venetian mirrors, adorn the foyer of the temple of arts. Velvet, bronze, crystal, and gilded materials create the effect of luxury and grandeur. 

Lviv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater (1896/1900)CFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy

A fact about founding of the Lviv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater
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2. Lviv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater

The main facade of the theater is an emblem and an architectural landmark of Lviv. The theater was built using details and forms of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, or in the so-called Viennese pseudo-Renaissance style, designed by architect Zygmunt Gorgolewski. 

Lviv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater (1896/1900)CFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy

Characteristics of the auditorium
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The auditorium has the form of a lier and can accommodate more than 1,000 people. On October 5th, 2005, Lviv Academic Opera and Ballet Theater named after Solomia Krushelnytska, received national status.

Chernivtsi Academic Ukrainian Music and Drama Theater (1940)CFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy

How does the theater’s architecture compare to the city’s one
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3. Chernivtsi Academic Ukrainian Music and Drama Theater

This majestic building in a Renaissance style was designed by Viennese architecture studio Fellner & Helmer. A bronze monument of the famous Ukrainian writer, Olha Kobylianska, after whom the theater was named, is located in front of the theater.

Chernivtsi Academic Ukrainian Music and Drama Theater (1940)CFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy

Details on the Neo-Baroque interior
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The auditorium and lobby are decorated with carvings and neo-Baroque sculptures. The auditorium, with a total capacity of 813 seats, consists of parter, 35 lodges, and an amphitheater.

Odesa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater (1887)CFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy

Details on the theater complex
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4. Odesa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater

The interior and facade of the theater combine several styles, including elements of the Italian Renaissance and the Vienna Baroque, Classical Baroque, and Rococo. The theater was built by Fellner & Helmer in 1887.

Odesa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater (1887)CFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy

Insights on the famous repertoire of the theater
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A large crystal chandelier, with its elegance and abundance of delicate details, is located in the center of the hall, and the hall itself has extraordinary acoustics.

Kyiv National Academic Operetta Theater (1934)CFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy

Insights into the life of the theater
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5. Kyiv National Academic Operetta Theater

On the street corners of Zhylanska and Big Vasylkivska for more than 100 years, this elegant building is situated in Kyiv.

Kyiv National Academic Operetta Theater (1934)CFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy

Details on the atmosphere in the operetta theater
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Now it is a successful musical theater, one of a few in the world that remains the operetta genre in its own name. The sunny light-hearted, cheerful, happy, and carefree operetta has settled in the theater's repertoire to inspire, glorify, strengthen, and delight its guests.

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