The building of the National Bank of Ukraine

The building of the National Bank of Ukraine is located in the city center, at 9 Institutska Street, perpendicular to Kreshchatik Street, near Independence Square. This is a part of the historical "Limes" district, in the city center, which is a location with many interesting buildings

In autumn 1902 the architect Kobelev began construction of this building. Facades were designed based on sketches by Verbitsky, who also participated in the design of the Kiev Polytechnic Institute.

In terms of the building’s structure, the most important aspects were the ideas of maximum strength, durability, and fire safety, eliminating all wooden parts. Central heating, electric lighting, and dual ventilation system are also present.  Seven huge electric fans take one hour to recirculate all of the air every room twice. In winter, air is heated by radiators, and in summer, it is cooled by passing through underground pipes that stay cool year-round.

A special ventilation system was takes the air from the rose garden, planted in the adjacent yard, filling the air in every room with the slight scent of roses.

In 1934 the building was reconstructed, adding several upper floors and renovating the adjacent building.

 Master of decorative sculpture Emilio Sala created the facades, made in the Northern Italian Gothic and early Renaissance Florence styles, in the form of exquisite ornament and marble columns. Artificial stone covers the brick walls of the main facade, simulating gray granite and pink sandstone.

The central portal and the two symmetrical risolits (portions of the building that jut out from the main body) create a harmonious composition, highlighted by a balcony, semicircular windows, and light towers on each side.

Also, the building plays the role of urban planning in the composite design of Institutska Street, with the front of the building serving as the end cap of the street where it intersects Bankova Street.