Kyiv’s Plan for a New Fountain Sparks Debate
A fountain costing 51.9 million hryvnias (approximately $1.4 million) is set to be installed in Kyiv where a monument to Vladimir Lenin once stood, directly across from the Bessarabsky Market. The project is funded by pharmaceutical company Farmak, which proposed the fountain to mark its 100th anniversary. The design features a neoclassical-style fountain along with upgrades to the surrounding public space.
Public Reactions and Lack of Consultation
Only one company submitted a bid for the tender, according to available information. Deputy head of the Kyiv City State Administration, Valentyn Mondryivskyi, announced the plans for the site. In addition to the fountain, the project includes:
- construction of ground-level inclusive crossings from Khreshchatyk to Velyka Vasylkivska Street;
- a ramp to replace existing stairs;
- renovation of 22 benches along Taras Shevchenko Boulevard.
Notably, the project proceeded without any public hearings or a design competition, drawing sharp criticism from opinion leaders and activists. Vitaliy Selyk commented:
“We’re getting a pseudo-historical fountain instead of a monument to Skoropadskyi, Ukrainian philanthropists, or an important historical event.”
In response, Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko argued that “a classic Kyiv fountain is the most neutral solution for this space.”
The Lenin statue had stood at this location until it was toppled in 2013 during the Euromaidan protests. Now, a new project is moving forward, which its backers say aims to improve the city center’s public realm. However, the absence of public engagement has raised concerns among residents who expect a transparent decision-making process for changes to the urban environment.
Installing a fountain on the site of the former Lenin monument is part of a broader effort to modernize public spaces in Kyiv. Yet, the lack of open dialogue and competition highlights ongoing tensions between city authorities and the public. For many, this case underscores the need for more inclusive planning procedures, especially as Ukraine continues to reassess its Soviet-era memorials and integrate them into a contemporary cultural landscape.
As Kyiv continues to evolve its urban landscape, recent actions such as the removal of illegal pontoons from Natalka Bay highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance public spaces in the city. These developments reflect a growing emphasis on maintaining transparency and community involvement in urban planning. For more insights on how these changes impact local parks and recreational areas, read about the recent updates at the removal of illegal pontoons from Kyiv's Natalka Bay.