The historic Moshchynskyi house on Andriyivskyi Descent is undergoing destruction despite its protected status
This is reported by Kyiv24
Despite legislative restrictions, the Department of Cultural Heritage Protection of the Kyiv City State Administration has permitted internal renovation works on the Moshchynskyi profit house located on Andriyivskyi Descent in Kyiv. This building, constructed in the late 19th century at the request of collegiate secretary Yakiv Moshchynskyi, is recognized as a historical monument. However, the relevant authority of the capital’s administration officially allowed the owner to replace the original brick and wooden walls with modern drywall, leading to the loss of authentic stucco and other valuable historical interior elements.
The Role of the Architectural Bureau and Conflict of Interest
As noted by heritage protector Dmytro Perov, the permit for the works was personally signed by the department head, Maryna Solovyeva. The author of the renovation project is the architectural bureau of Mykola Vikharev. This firm is also known for its involvement in the controversial residential complex “Turgenev,” which resulted in the destruction of the historic estate of the Zelensky family. Vikharev himself is a member of the advisory council of the Department of Cultural Heritage Protection, creating an obvious conflict of interest: despite this, he participates in votes, including on matters concerning objects that may lose their protected status.
Violations of the Law and Consequences for Cultural Heritage
According to Ukrainian legislation, cultural monuments cannot be demolished, altered, or rebuilt in any way. However, the actions of the Kyiv City State Administration have effectively led to the destruction of the unique interiors of the Moshchynskyi house. Heritage protectors emphasize the seriousness of these violations and call for accountability for the officials who made such decisions.
“According to Article 22 of the Law of Ukraine on the Protection of Cultural Heritage, it is prohibited to demolish, alter, or otherwise rebuild monuments. Thus, acting in the interests of third parties, the relevant authority of the Kyiv City State Administration has knowingly violated the provisions of the current heritage protection legislation, resulting in severe consequences. Namely – the destruction of all interiors of the monument,” emphasized Dmytro Perov.