Former People’s House

1914 — 2022

During the 108 years of its existence, the institution changed its subordination and names, but its educational and cultural and artistic function remained unchanged. The district cultural center, which is located in the center of the large Okhtyr district, for many years remained the only institution providing cultural services to the population of the city and district. This is the only facility in the city and district that best corresponds to the implementation of concert and performance activities, therefore its reconstruction is extremely important for the residents of the city, the community and even the district.

Damaged House of Culture

Status

Damaged

Amount required

UAH 4 700 000

*The amount is not final and requires clarification, which is possible only after the examination

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The building before and after the bombing on March 8, 2022.

Description of the establishment

The history of the idea of creating a People's House in Okhtyrka dates back to the early nineties of the 19th century, when the society faced the question of building its own People's House, where it would be possible to implement educational knowledge. The People's House was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the abolition of serfdom.

The house was built in 1914 as the People's House. Already in 1922, an amateur drama group was created here, whose activities have been preserved to this day. Prominent Ukrainian actors Nataliya Uzhviy and Amvrosii Buchma performed on the stage of the institution, and in the 40s of the last century, the world-famous Ukrainian writer and fighter against the Soviet regime, Ivan Bagryaniy, wrote and worked here. In honor of the 105th anniversary of the birth of Ivan Bagryany, his bas-relief was installed on the facade of the building.

Interesting Facts

The building is an architectural monument of local importance, it looks massive and solemn. Classical architecture and an auditorium with unique acoustics create a unique artistic atmosphere, so its reconstruction will become the basis for the development and preservation of the cultural heritage of the community, the city and the northern Slobozhan region. Currently, the "Centre of Culture and Leisure" is located in the People's House, in which 15 creative groups operate, with about 200 participants of various ages. Eight collectives have the honorary titles of "folk" and "exemplary". On average, about 60 mass cultural events are held per year, attended by more than 12,000 spectators. The basic institution of culture coordinates the activities of 16 club institutions of the community, providing them with methodical support. Using an innovative approach to providing cultural services to rural residents, the specialists of the institution started holding regional holidays on the territory of 8 Starosty districts.

Destruction

As a result of Russia's armed aggression during the bombardment of the city center with thermobaric bombs on March 8, 2022, the building suffered significant damage. The explosion damaged 232 m2 of the roof: skylights, brick gables, slopes, part of the metal shelter. Almost completely destroyed doors and windows.

Damaged decorative elements of the facade: cornices, columns, pilasters, moldings, decorative masonry, cornices, brick columns. The condition of the internal architectural, structural and decorative elements of the monument is unsatisfactory. The original decorative elements of the interior are partially damaged. According to the restoration project, the estimate of the works is UAH 4,7 million. These are dismantling, construction, repair, internal, external, plumbing, electrical installation works, restoration of the heating and ventilation system.