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House with Chimaeras
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Landmark
The House with Chimaeras in Kyiv is one of the city's most eccentric and famous buildings, constructed between 1901 and 1902 by the architect Vladislav Horodecki. Built in the Art Nouveau style, it originally served as Horodecki's private apartment building. The facade and roof are lavishly decorated with bizarre concrete sculptures of exotic animals, such as elephants, rhinos, and antelopes, as well as mythical creatures and hunting motifs. These elaborate figures were crafted by the Italian sculptor Emilio Sala. Due to its location on a steep slope, the building appears to have three stories from the front and six from the rear. Horodecki used concrete, a relatively new material at the time, to showcase its structural and artistic potential. Located opposite the President's Office, the house currently functions as a presidential residence for official diplomatic receptions and state ceremonies.
- Location: Ukraine
- Top sights: House with Chimeras · Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater · House of Crying Widow
- Nearby: Vyshhorod (14 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -6 | -5 | 1 | 9 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 21 | 15 | 8 | 2 | -4 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 42 | 42 | 41 | 67 | 73 | 65 | 50 | 48 | 50 | 45 | 50 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The House with Chimaeras is usually not open to the interior as it is a government building. The facade with its whimsical sculptures can be admired from the outside at any time.
Typical hours
As the building is viewed from outside, there are no opening hours - it is accessible around the clock. For interior visits, occasional special tours are organized that must be arranged in advance.
Photography
The facade with its detailed sculptures is a popular photo subject - use a telephoto lens for close-ups. Watch out for traffic as the building is on a busy street.
Time needed
Allow about 15 to 20 minutes for viewing the facade and taking photos. If you want to explore the surrounding buildings and Bankova Street, allow more time.
Combine with
The house is on Bankova Street, which also features other architectural highlights. Combine the visit with a walk to the nearby Mariinsky Palace and the National Art Museum.
Getting there
The building is reachable by metro (Khreshchatyk station) and then on foot. It is located in a pedestrian zone, making it easy to access.
Insider tip
Examine the sculptures closely - each figure tells a small story from mythology. Binoculars help to see the details on the upper floors.
Geography
Facts
- Vladislav Horodecki is frequently referred to as the 'Gaudi of Kyiv'.
- The building was completed in time for the city's decennial celebrations.
- The facade's sculptures also feature sea monsters and nereids.
- The house was built on a plot of land previously considered unsuitable for construction.
- Since 2005, the building has served as an official residence of the Ukrainian President.
- The interior features unique hunting-themed decorations and a white marble staircase.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town House with Chimaeras (6)
House of Crying Widow
A historic building in Kyiv associated with a legend.
Tauvers Gallery
An art gallery in Kyiv exhibiting contemporary works.
National Dignity Revolution Museum🏛 museum
A museum in Kyiv commemorating the events of the Dignity Revolution.
ARSANI Auction house🏛 museum
An auction house in Kyiv selling art and antiques.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the 'House with Chimaeras'?
It is decorated with numerous sculptures of animals, sea creatures, and mythical beings.
Who built this unusual house?
It was built in 1901-1902 by architect Wladyslaw Horodecki as his private residence.
Is the house open to the general public?
As it is used as a presidential residence, visits are only possible via special guided tours.
What was the purpose of the sculptures?
Horodecki was a passionate hunter; the sculptures also served as an advertisement for his concrete factory.
In which district of Kyiv is the house located?
It is located in the Lypky district, right across from the Presidential Administration.
House with Chimaeras: where is it located?
House with Chimaeras is located in Ukraine.
House with Chimaeras: what is there to see?
Highlights include House with Chimeras, Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater, House of Crying Widow.
House with Chimaeras: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
House with Chimaeras: why is it worth visiting?
The House with Chimaeras in Kyiv is one of the city's most eccentric and famous buildings, constructed between 1901 and 1902 by the architect Vladislav Horodecki.
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