Street Formation
Drahomanova Street emerged as part of the large-scale reorganization of Lviv at the beginning of the era of local self-government. Known since the 18th century as Upper Honcharska Street, it was officially named Honcharska in 1871. In 1895, it was renamed in honor of the Polish writer, historian, and political publicist Maurycy Mochnacki. During the German occupation, from May 1942, it bore the name Blumenstrasse. In the postwar period, the street briefly reverted to its prewar name, but in 1946, it was renamed Drahomanova Street in honor of the Ukrainian publicist and civic figure Mykhailo Drahomanov.
Builders and Styles
The building of the Scientific Library of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, located at 5 Drahomanova Street, was constructed between 1901 and 1904, based on a design by architect Hryhorii Pezhanskyi in the Neo-Renaissance style.
Who Owns It?
Founded in 1608 as the library of the Jesuit College in Lviv.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The structure is brick-built, plastered, and has three stories. Its main façade follows an asymmetrical curtain layout. The central block and the left wing are set back from the street line and enclosed by a metal fence. The main entrance, located in the left wing, is framed by a portal with Doric columns, a semicircular pediment, and stucco decoration.
The façade is adorned with sculptural elements, including figures of Atlantes and caryatids created by renowned Polish sculptor Antoni Popiel. The metal framework of the three-tiered book depository was designed by Jan Bogucki and manufactured at the factory of Zygmunt Piotrowicz and Jan Schumann. The wall paintings in the interior were done by artist Julian Makarevych.
The second floor of the right wing features four caryatids supporting Ionic half-columns, and the top is crowned by an attic with a central cartouche.
The façade is horizontally segmented by cornices, and the ground floor is decorated with massive rustication. The third-floor windows are arched.
The building’s interior is highlighted by the richly decorated main reading room, where the original bookcases and Julian Makarevych’s murals are preserved.
This building is a striking example of architectural design for educational institutions of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Interesting Facts
The Scientific Library of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv is the university’s main academic library and one of the oldest and largest research libraries in Ukraine, with a collection of over 3 million volumes. It was established in 1608 as the library of the Jesuit College in Lviv. The current acting director is Oleksandr Sedliar.
In 1990, a memorial plaque was installed on the library’s wall to honor Ivan Franko, who worked there in 1911–1912. The bronze sculpture was created by Liubomyr Yaremych.
What Is It Now?
Today, the building houses the library of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.
Sources and Literature
Rzeźba lwowska… — p. 115.
Architecture of Lviv: Time and Styles. 13th–21st Centuries / M. Bevz, Yu. Biryulov, Yu. Bohdanova, V. Didyk, U. Ivanochko, T. Klymeniuk, et al. — Lviv: Center of Europe, 2008. — 720 p. — ISBN 978-966-7022-77-8.
Drahomanova Street in Lviv: 13 Interesting Facts, Old Photos
5 Drahomanova St – Library of Ivan Franko National University | Interactive Lviv