National Bank of Ukraine, Kiev

The National Bank of Ukraine is the central financial institution of the country. Its main function is to uphold the national financial system by keeping Ukraine’s currency stable. The bank was founded in 1839, as a branch of the the State Commerce Bank (of the then Russian Empire) and, since 1992, has functioned as an independent financial institution.

The National Bank is located at Institutska Street, no. 9, inside the building architected by O. Kobolyev. The exterior was done by O. Verbitskyi; interior - by famous Italian architect, Emilo Sala, with elements of Italian Renaissance “palazzo”. Upon its completion in 1905, the building boasted all of the latest amenities of the day, including central heating, ventilation and electricity. In order to successfully accommodate the personnel and documentation transferred from Kharkiv, two more floors were added to the structure in 1933. Although no visitors are allowed inside the building, you are welcome to admire its façade from the outside, which is well worth seeing.