The building was constructed between 1838 and 1842 upon the design of architect Vikentiy Beretti as the Russian "Kyiv Institute for Noble Maidens" (Russian: Институт благородных девиц, romanized: Institut Blagorodnykh Devits), hence the street where it was located was called Instytutska Street. After the revolution, the building was used by the government, including housing for Kyiv's Cheka (later known as the KGB).
Almost completely destroyed in the Second World War, the building was renovated between 1952 and 1959, and named the October Palace of Culture, used primarily as a concert stage. The street was also renamed October Revolution Street.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, it was renamed to its present-day name. Today, it continues to be used as a concert hall. A movie theater wing was recently added. Even now, the Centre remains a real centre of Ukraine's spiritual capital. The library's unique holding amounting to more than 70,000 items. Various events featuring famous writers, composers, diplomats, politicians, members of parliament and other public figures contribute to the spiritual renaissance of Ukraine, inspire people and endow them with ardent creativity. The well-lit and spacious rooms of the Centre's foyer are always capable of hosting exhibitions spectacularly, emphasising their strong points; the Centre hosts various exhibitions: those of painting, photography, consumer goods, technology and so on. The Centre's capabilities range from intimate family celebrations or somewhat larger anniversary celebrations to large international conferences, symposiums, seminars and congresses.[1]
During the 2013-2014 Euromaidan protest in Kyiv the October Palace became occupied by protesters.[2] According to Deriugins School pupil Ganna Rizatdinova, after Euromaidan her school discovered that some of their equipment "like a TV set and a kettle, balls and clubs" had disappeared; "it was a strange kind of robbery. We don't know who did it."[2]
During the years 1920-30 in the building about 120,000 people[citation needed] were killed (shot down or by other means). Among them - famous Soviet Ukrainian artists, painters, writers, politicians, professors, teachers, scientists, priests and so on.
Ensembles
National orchestra of folks instruments
Jazz orchestra "Muzychna laboratoria" (Music laboratory)
