International Center of Culture and Arts damaged in 24 May large-scale attack on Kyiv

The historic building of the International Center of Culture and Arts, formerly known as the October Palace, sustained damage during the large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv on the night of 23-24 May.

Source: International Center of Culture and Arts

Details: According to the centre's team, the blast wave damaged the roof, causing a fire, as well as the façade, windows and part of the interior premises.

"We are currently clearing the site of thousands of shards of glass and destroyed structures. The team is temporarily covering the roof with tarps to protect the building from rain and further damage," said the centre's creative director, Tetiana Mohyla.

She said restoration work would continue in shifts day and night in order to stabilise the condition of the building as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, the main concert hall did not sustain significant damage and is expected to resume operations on 27 May.

Events scheduled for 24-26 May have been postponed, with new dates to be announced later.

The greatest effort will be required to restore the façade and the building's outer perimeter. The centre stressed that support from international institutions, partners and businesses would be needed to preserve the landmark.

"It is critically important for us to complete the urgent work before the heating season begins and preserve this historic building in central Kyiv," the representative said.

Background: Earlier reports said a number of cultural institutions and heritage sites had also been damaged, including the cultural space Hinaus, Zhytnii Market, the Institute of Journalism of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, the National Art Museum of Ukraine, the National Chornobyl Museum, the Ukrainian House and the Kyiv Municipal Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre.

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