Eclecticism in Odessa

 “Passage” in Odessa is not only a roofed gallery with a number of stores with street access, but is also a name for a hotel located within it. The building is situated in the heart of the city, on the crossing of Derebasovskaya and Preobrazhenskaya streets. The gallery connects the two perpendicular streets at the crossroad of 33 Derebasovskaya and 34 Preobragenskaya.
    In 1899, construction began on the 4-floor building, the project of Polish architect Lev Vlodek. Milman and Fishel were the artisans who created the sculptural features.
    The building facades are made in the Eclectic style with elements of French Baroque. Also, the building was full of innovations for those times, such as centralized electric and heating systems, running water supply, and even an elevator...

Entrance arch from Deribasovskaya street

The entrance from Deribasovskaya street is decorated with the sculptural composition. On the right, a young man stands leaning on a hammer handle and touching a gear; on the left, a young lady is surrounded by symbols of abundance; on  top, a small child sitting on the head of a lion holds a torch to illuminate the way for visitors.

Mosaic on the ceiling of the small entrance corridor

Passing under the entrance arch leads to a very small and poorly illuminated corridor with a large mosaic on the ceiling.

View at Passage gallery from inside

This play between the large and bright space of the street and the small dark pre-entrance to Passage brings a contrast such that visitors are impressed even more with the large and shiny gallery, full of light from the glass roof and hosting a large diversity of shops.

Decoration above the entrance

Balcony

Two balconies on the second floor have striking sculptural decoration: the young ladies represent abundance, and the water flowing from a jug is a symbol of eternal capital movement. A rich variety of ornamental features covers the walls of Passage.

Wall's decoration

Symbol of the port

The View from Preobragenskaya street

Dragons supporting the balcony

Facade

The View from Preobragenskaya street