The building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, constructed in 1939 to the design of architect Josip Langbard, is a monumental semi-circular structure in the style of Stalinist classicism. Its grand Corinthian colonnade, massive forms, and sweeping curved façade make it the dominant feature of Mykhailivska Square and a recognizable element of Kyiv’s skyline. At the center of the square stands the monument to Princess Olha — a symbol of wisdom, scholarship, and diplomacy — which complements the space harmoniously.
The area where the MFA building stands has a centuries-old history. Here once lay ancient fortifications and old Kyiv streets, as well as the 12th-century Church of the Three Holy Hierarchs and the St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, both demolished during preparations for a Soviet government complex. The present MFA building occupies part of these historic grounds, combining the monumentality of Soviet architecture with the layered historical continuity of the site.
Today, the MFA building serves not only as an administrative institution but also as an important cultural and public space. Mykhailivska Square nearby is a popular photo location, especially in the soft morning and evening light that highlights the colonnade and the panorama of the old city. VR exhibitions, art installations, and cultural diplomacy projects are regularly held here, reinforcing the square’s role as an open space for dialogue between Ukraine and the world.