The Odesa Philharmonic Theatre was damaged in a Russian missile strike on 31 January. The building has been under enhanced protection by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) since 2023.

Source: Odesa Mayor Henadii Trukhanov

Details: Trukhanov remarked that the Philharmonic building is the "most valuable" of the monuments damaged that day.

"The blast wave knocked out the authentic woodwork of the main entrance, as well as damaged the stained glass windows and interior decoration. Experts will assess the impact on the main structures after conducting a further inspection," he explained.

The National Odesa Philharmonic Orchestra posted pictures of the damaged premises. The photos show smashed glass and the damaged door of the main entrance to the building.

"Our long-standing home, where thousands of our concerts have taken place! It's broken and heartbreaking," the orchestra wrote.

They added that a concert had been planned for 1 February at the theatre. Due to the damage, the event was moved to the Odesa National Music Academy.

Since 1946, the Odesa Philharmonic Theatre has been located in the former New Merchant Exchange, built in 1899. The building was constructed based on a draft design by architect Vikentii Prokhaska, with modifications in the Italian Gothic style by Alexander Bernardazzi.

The wooden ceiling of the Philharmonic Hall is made of Lebanese cedar, crafted without a single nail, and is gilded and painted. The walls of the hall are adorned with panels by Russian artist Nikolai Karazin.

Background: 

• On the evening of 31 January, Russian forces launched a ballistic missile attack on the historic centre of Odesa, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The attack has damaged about 15 cultural monuments in the city.
• Earlier, the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Museum of Local History was damaged in a Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia.

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