New East Digital Archive

The other Odesa: hunting for socialist-modernist architectural gems in Ukraine’s maritime city

The other Odesa: hunting for socialist-modernist architectural gems in Ukraine’s maritime city

7 November 2019

Ukraine’s city-port of Odesa is usually known for its ornate classical architecture. @odessamodernism, meanwhile, is using the power of Instagram to shine a light on the other, socialist-modernist face of the vibrant city.

From colourful mosaics decorating a sparkling wine factory to the sharp lines of the famous National Maritime Academy, Odesa Modernism showcases the Soviet-era masterpieces that made Odesa the USSR’s largest port and an important military, commercial, and cultural centre.

The account also celebrates local architects such as Henry Topuz and Yossif Goldenberg, who created some of the Black Sea city-port’s defining modernist buildings.

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