House with Chimaeras | Kyiv

House with Chimaeras – Detailed Overview

Overview

The House with Chimaeras (Будинок з химерами) is one of Kyiv’s most unique and striking architectural landmarks, renowned for its unusual and fantastical exterior decorations. It is an early 20th-century Art Nouveau building famous for its sculptural adornments featuring exotic animals, mythical creatures, and hunting scenes.

Location: 10 Bankova Street, Kyiv city center, near the Presidential Administration building

Architect: Vladislav Gorodetsky (also spelled Władysław Horodecki)

Built: 1901–1902

Style: Art Nouveau with fantasy and Gothic influences

Historical Background

Vladislav Gorodetsky, a Polish-Ukrainian architect known as the “Gaudí of Kyiv,” designed the building as a luxury apartment complex and his personal residence.

The building’s name comes from the numerous sculptural figures (chimaeras) decorating its façade.

Originally a residential building, today it is used mainly for official government functions and is not open to the public except on special occasions or tours.

Architectural Features

Exterior

Covered with elaborate concrete sculptures depicting chimaeras—mythical creatures made of different animal parts.

Features include elephants, rhinoceroses, crocodiles, lions, dragons, and various exotic animals.

Hunting motifs, such as rifles and hunting dogs, are incorporated in the details.

The sculptures are integrated into balconies, cornices, and rooflines, giving the building a surreal and dramatic look.

Use of reinforced concrete was innovative at the time, allowing such detailed sculptural work.

Interior

Originally designed as luxurious apartments with Art Nouveau interiors.

Today, the interiors are largely inaccessible to the public.

Some areas are maintained for state functions.

Symbolism and Themes

The exotic animals and mythological creatures symbolize adventure, fantasy, and the architect’s creativity.

The hunting motifs reflect the owner's passion for hunting and nature.

The building’s fantastical elements contrast sharply with the classical and official buildings nearby, making it a standout example of Kyiv’s architectural diversity.

Current Use

The House with Chimaeras serves as a presidential residence for official and diplomatic events.

It is part of the official government complex, so public access is restricted.

Occasionally, it opens to the public during cultural festivals or special guided tours.

Visitor Information

Location: 10 Bankova Street, Kyiv

Access: Generally closed to the public except for occasional special tours or events

Best Viewing: From the outside along Bankova Street and nearby parks

Nearby Attractions: Mariinsky Park, Mariinsky Palace, Verkhovna Rada (Parliament building)

Interesting Facts

Gorodetsky designed several other notable Kyiv buildings, such as the National Art Museum of Ukraine and St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral.

The House with Chimaeras has become a symbol of Kyiv’s architectural whimsy and creativity.

It was one of the first buildings in Kyiv constructed using reinforced concrete.