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Officers' House in Lviv: a cultural institution that remembers the footsteps of Ivan Franko

The Lviv Officers' House is located in the building of the former «People's House», which was one of the key locations of the Ukrainian national movement in Galicia. The magnificent 19th-century building, designed in the style of bourgeois romanticism, has long been one of Lviv's notable architectural landmarks while also carrying significant historical importance. Its history began with a plot of land donated to the Ukrainian community by the Austrian emperor. It was with their own funds that Ukrainians built the «People's House», which soon became an important center of national and cultural life.

At various periods, the building housed a printing house and the Ukrainian theatre «Ruska Besida», educational textbooks were published here, and from 1881 to 1939 the Ukrainian educational society «Ridna Shkola» operated here. Among the important dates in the institution's history is November 1, 1918 – on this very day, the West Ukrainian People's Republic (ZUNR) was proclaimed here.

During the period of Polish rule, a Ukrainian bookshop operated in the building. It also housed a large library with valuable collections, which Ivan Franko regularly used. In 1939, the Soviet authorities changed the purpose of the «People's House», turning it into the «Red Army House». After the return of Soviet rule in 1944, the building was renamed the District Officers' House of the Lviv Military District (today it is the «58th Officers' House»).

Architectural Features

The architectural appearance of the building combines features of the Romantic movement within Classicism and Austrian Biedermeier. During the design process, the architect partially incorporated fragments of the former 18th-century Trinitarian monastery, preserving even the distinctive curvature of the facade on Teatralna Street.

The four-story building has three facades, but the one facing K. Korniakta Street is the richest in terms of architectural detailing. The interior layout of the two-story-high theatre hall is also reflected in the building's exterior – the front section is accentuated by a projecting wall and large arched windows.

How to Get to the Officers' House in Lviv

The 58th Officers' House in Lviv is located at 22 Teatralna Street, in the very center of the city. Rynok Square and the Garrison Church are nearby, so the building is easy to reach.

If you are considering public transport, take tram No. 1 or No. 9 (get off at «Rynok Square»). Bus route No. 31 is also convenient (get off at the «Severyna Nalyvaika Street» stop).

As for walking routes, the journey from the Opera House takes about 5 minutes. The route runs along Svobody Avenue, followed by a turn onto Lesia Ukrainka Street or Virmenska Street, from where you can reach Teatralna Street. From Rynok Square, the walk takes approximately 1–2 minutes. The building is very close by – behind the Latin Cathedral or next to the Garrison Church, on the adjacent parallel street.

What Events Take Place at the Lviv Officers' House

Today, the Officers' House is home to numerous creative ensembles, while the institution itself combines several important functions at once – a patriotic hub, volunteer center and intimate cultural venue. Since 2014, the institution's staff have regularly organized artistic trips to the combat zone in Donbas, held events for the families of Ukrainian military personnel and organized meetings with service members.

As the Officers' House is subordinate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a significant part of its events has a charitable, educational or military-patriotic focus. The programme of the Officers' House in Lviv also includes:

• intimate performances and poetry evenings (notable examples include the dramatic one-person show «The Chaplain's Tango», the biographical drama «Playing at Immortality», and performances by the «OKO» Theatre);
• concerts by well-known Ukrainian artists (Taras Petrynenko and Tetiana Horobets, Pavlo Dvorskyi, Alina Grosu, Kateryna Buzhynska, KHAS);
• excursions (at the Military History Museum);
• art exhibitions and presentations;
• ceremonial and charitable events.

How to Get Tickets for Concerts and Performances at the Officers' House in Lviv

You can always view the venue's programme and order tickets online at Concert.ua. To do so, click «Get Tickets» on the event page, choose convenient seats on the seating plan and proceed to payment. Within a few minutes, the electronic tickets will be sent to your email.