Discover the most unique building in Kyiv and find out where to locate it (photos included).

One of the most interesting and unusual buildings in Kyiv is the "flying saucer" on Lybidska. This ambitious project was realized back in the distant 1970s, yet the saucer-shaped building still sparks imagination and stands out against the backdrop of typical urban development.

The building on Lybidska is one of the few surviving examples of Soviet modernism in the capital. "Telegraf" informs readers about this unique structure for its time and shows where it can be found in Kyiv.

The History of the Unusual Saucer-Shaped Building

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Constructed in 1971, the building was designed by architects Florian Yurev and Lev Novikov. The supports of the structure were intentionally concealed to create the illusion that it was hovering in the air.

Initially, the "flying saucer" was part of the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information. The authors were awarded the USSR State Construction Committee's prize "For Innovation in Architecture" for their project.

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The saucer-shaped building is a classic representation of Soviet modernism infused with cosmic futurism. During the Soviet era, it housed a cinema adorned with frescoes.

The conference hall boasts excellent acoustics, and it was intended to host vibrant concerts.

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This project was considered cutting-edge—using lightweight structures and free planning allowed the "saucer" to appear suspended in space.

However, the building did not become a unique concert hall; instead, it was allocated to the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information, with some spaces occupied by the KGB archives. A printing enterprise also operated here.

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In the 1990s, the roof began to peel and required repairs, and in 2012, it was transferred to the State Property Fund. In 2017, the Fund finally leased the building to a well-known Kyiv developer, Vagif Aliyev, who opened the Ocean Plaza shopping and entertainment center nearby.

In 2015, plans emerged for the construction of a new shopping center, "Ocean Mall," right next to the building, and some proposals suggested engulfing it.

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This news stirred public concern, and activists opposed turning the "saucer" into part of the shopping and entertainment center. The businessman leasing the building then promised not to transform the architectural landmark into a shopping center.

In July 2020, restoration of the roof covering began, and in October, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy included the building in the register of architectural and monumental art monuments.

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Where to Find the "Flying Saucer" in Kyiv

Address: 180 Antonovycha Street (near the "Lybidska" metro station)

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Let us remind you, another one of the most interesting and original buildings in Kyiv is the Salute Hotel in the Pechersk district of the capital. This ambitious project was realized back in 1984, yet the hotel still welcomes visitors.

"Salute" is a vivid example of Soviet futuristic modernism. However, few are aware that this 7-story hotel was originally intended to have 18 stories, not counting the top structure. The height of the building was significantly "trimmed" for a very interesting and unusual reason.

Previously, "Telegraf" reported that one of the most unusual and memorable objects in the capital is undoubtedly the Chocolate House on Lypky, which was constructed in the 1880s.