The damaged Nikolaev Church in Kyiv will be restored using authentic blueprints following the shelling.

This is reported by the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine.

Currently, restorers are focusing on immediate preservation measures for the monument. Equipment will be temporarily installed in the church to maintain the temperature regime, aimed at protecting the facades and interior, as explained by the department.

At the same time, preparatory work for a full restoration will begin. Plans include creating new glass elements for the central stained-glass composition that was destroyed during the shelling.

The Ministry notes that the church will be restored based on authentic blueprints to "fully reveal" the intentions of the authors from 1899-1909.

They explain that the Soviet reconstruction from 1979-1981 altered the building's purpose, adapting it into a concert hall. Specifically, structural and decorative elements were replaced during that time, including the glass in the stained glass.

More about the Mykolaiv Church

This is one of two Roman Catholic churches in Kyiv built before 1917. It is located on Velyka Vasylkivska Street in the city center.

The church was constructed between 1899 and 1909 in the Neo-Gothic style by Ukrainian and Polish architect Władysław Horodecki, based on a design by student Stanisław Walowski. Funding for the construction was provided by Count Władysław Michał Pius Branicki.

In 1936, the Soviet authorities prohibited services, and crosses, bells, sculptures, and some stained glass were removed from the church. During World War II, a fire occurred in the church, damaging the interiors and destroying the first organ.

After the war, the Kyiv Regional Archive was housed in the church. The building was also used to jam "enemy" Western radio stations until an organ hall was opened in the church in 1979.

In September 2021, a fire occurred in the church. According to the conclusions of the State Emergency Service, the cause of the fire was faulty wiring, which the custodian, the National House of Organ and Chamber Music, was supposed to replace at least 10 years ago. Notably, the organ was completely destroyed.

Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic community has been trying to reclaim the church since 1991. The state promised to return the church to the believers no later than June 2022, but then postponed this decision until May of this year.

As of November 2024, a cultural institution was still located in the church.