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Socialist Modernism is an online initiative created by the Bureau for Art and Urban Research (BACU) to protect the monumental but decaying structures of central and eastern Europe erected between 1955-91.

"We aim to revitalize this heritage not only for symbolic reasons but because we believe in these elements that managed to defy some of the ideological requirements, giving the urban space a certain flavor so characteristic of those times," says Dumitru Rusu of BACU. "Boulevards, public buildings, living units, and monuments, they all are a clear reflection of the social and cultural context of the socialist period."

In the first phase of the project, BACU is documenting the architecture from the Eastern Bloc — it has mapped these socialist modernist buildings and monuments online in a community-driven tool, hoping to build a comprehensive database as well as create awareness and promote a desire to preserve them. The second phase aims to develop regulations for protection.

Overall, the project is an inspiring example of how preserving the past can also enrich the present.

More info: socialistmodernism.com | Instagram | Facebook

#1

Monument To The Conquerors Of Space Moscow, 1964

Monument To The Conquerors Of Space Moscow, 1964

socialistmodernism Report

#2

”electrification”, Stainless Steel Sculpture, Vidraru Dam 1971. Arges County, Romania

”electrification”, Stainless Steel Sculpture, Vidraru Dam 1971. Arges County, Romania

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Janine B.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, now this thing is really cool. More upvotes please, fellow pandas! :)

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#4

The Monument To 1300 Years Of Bulgaria

The Monument To 1300 Years Of Bulgaria

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Congratulachiens
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's Prince Boris I https://www.kathmanduandbeyond.com/monument-founders-bulgarian-state-shumen-bulgaria-2/

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#5

The National "Khabar" Television Studios And Administrative Offices. Almaty, Kazakhstan, Built In 1983

The National "Khabar" Television Studios And Administrative Offices. Almaty, Kazakhstan, Built In 1983

The building is called "Sosulka" (meaning icicle) in the urban language due to the prefabricated elements hanging from the roof, these being created in the spirit of Islamic architecture.

socialistmodernism Report

#6

Bus Stop No 37, Network Of Bus Stations, Tajikistan. Built In The Late 70s

Bus Stop No 37, Network Of Bus Stations, Tajikistan. Built In The Late 70s

socialistmodernism Report

#7

Housing Building On Bobur Street. Tashkent, Uzbekistan Built In 1974

Housing Building On Bobur Street. Tashkent, Uzbekistan Built In 1974

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#8

Slovak Radio Building, Bratislava, Slovakia, Built Between 1967-1983

Slovak Radio Building, Bratislava, Slovakia, Built Between 1967-1983

socialistmodernism Report

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#9

Former Ministry Of Transportation, (Now: Bank Of Georgia) Tbilisi, Georgia, Built In 1974

Former Ministry Of Transportation, (Now: Bank Of Georgia) Tbilisi, Georgia, Built In 1974

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#10

The Former Wedding Cathedral, (It Was Used As A Private House, Now Event Place) Tbilisi, Georgia, Built In 1985

The Former Wedding Cathedral, (It Was Used As A Private House, Now Event Place) Tbilisi, Georgia, Built In 1985

socialistmodernism Report

#11

Monument To The Revolution Of The People Of Moslavina - World War II Memorial. Podgarić, Croatia Unveiled In 1967

Monument To The Revolution Of The People Of Moslavina - World War II Memorial. Podgarić, Croatia Unveiled In 1967

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#12

The Aul Residential Complex, Tole Bi 286/1, Almaty, Kazakhstan Built In Stages Between 1986-2002 Architects: B. Voronin, L. Andreyeva, Yu. Ratushnyi, V. Lepeshov, V. Ve, M.rakhimbayev

The Aul Residential Complex, Tole Bi 286/1, Almaty, Kazakhstan Built In Stages Between 1986-2002 Architects: B. Voronin, L. Andreyeva, Yu. Ratushnyi, V. Lepeshov, V. Ve, M.rakhimbayev

socialistmodernism Report

#13

The Monument To Yu.gagarin Moscow. Russia

The Monument To Yu.gagarin Moscow. Russia

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#14

Canteen For The House Of Recreation For The Writers’ Union Of Armenia Sevan Lake, Armenia, Built In 1967

Canteen For The House Of Recreation For The Writers’ Union Of Armenia Sevan Lake, Armenia, Built In 1967

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deejak
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Powerlines ruin everything, but I deeply appreciate how the photographer angled the shot. Unless those aren't powerlines, but actually part of the design?

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#15

Bas Relief Sculptural Frieze On The Facade Of The Institute Of Communications. Yerevan, Armenia. (70s)

Bas Relief Sculptural Frieze On The Facade Of The Institute Of Communications. Yerevan, Armenia. (70s)

socialistmodernism Report

#16

The Hall For Lectures And Cinema Of The Institute Of Scientific And Technical Information, (Aka “Kyiv Flying Saucer”) Kyiv, Ukraine. Built In 1971

The Hall For Lectures And Cinema Of The Institute Of Scientific And Technical Information, (Aka “Kyiv Flying Saucer”) Kyiv, Ukraine. Built In 1971

socialistmodernism Report

#17

Cafesjian Art Museum - Cascade, Yerevan, Armenia. Design 1975-1980 Built 1985-2000

Cafesjian Art Museum - Cascade, Yerevan, Armenia. Design 1975-1980 Built 1985-2000

socialistmodernism Report

#18

Nstitute Of Robotics And Technical Cybernetics, Saint Petersburg, Russia, Built Between 1973-1986

Nstitute Of Robotics And Technical Cybernetics, Saint Petersburg, Russia, Built Between 1973-1986

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#19

Monument On Freedom Hill By Janez Lenassi In Ilirska Bistrica, Republic Of Slovenia, 1965

Monument On Freedom Hill By Janez Lenassi In Ilirska Bistrica, Republic Of Slovenia, 1965

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#20

Sports And Concert Complex, Aka Hamalir Yerevan, Armenia Built Between 1976-84

Sports And Concert Complex, Aka Hamalir Yerevan, Armenia Built Between 1976-84

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#21

Military Medical Academy Complex, Banjica, Belgrade, Serbia, Designed In 1973, Built In 1981

Military Medical Academy Complex, Banjica, Belgrade, Serbia, Designed In 1973, Built In 1981

socialistmodernism Report

#22

The Monument To Yuri Gagarin Is Located On Gagarin Square In Moscow, Russia - It Was Unveiled On July 4, 1980

The Monument To Yuri Gagarin Is Located On Gagarin Square In Moscow, Russia - It Was Unveiled On July 4, 1980

socialistmodernism Report

#23

Experimental Residential Building In Bratislava, Slovakia, Built Between 1968-74 Architect Štefan Svetko With J. Hauskrecht

Experimental Residential Building In Bratislava, Slovakia, Built Between 1968-74 Architect Štefan Svetko With J. Hauskrecht

socialistmodernism Report

#24

Block Of Flats, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Built In The 80s Architect Victor Breusenko

Block Of Flats, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Built In The 80s Architect Victor Breusenko

socialistmodernism Report

#25

Ilinden / Makedonium - A Monument Dedicated To The Fighters And Revolutionaries Who Participated In The Ilinden Uprising Of 1903

Ilinden / Makedonium - A Monument Dedicated To The Fighters And Revolutionaries Who Participated In The Ilinden Uprising Of 1903

As well as soldiers-partisans of the Macedonia National Liberation Struggle 1941-1944.
Kruševo, North Macedonia
Built in 1974

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darci101 avatar
deejak
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gee, nothing says "we appreciate you fighters" like a mine does, amiright?

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#26

Nova Scena Theatre, Prague, Czech Republic. Built Between 1977-1983, Architect Karel Prager

Nova Scena Theatre, Prague, Czech Republic. Built Between 1977-1983, Architect Karel Prager

socialistmodernism Report

#27

Bridge Of The Slovak National Uprising, Bratislava, Slovakia, Built Between 1967-1972

Bridge Of The Slovak National Uprising, Bratislava, Slovakia, Built Between 1967-1972

socialistmodernism Report

#28

Concrete Toboggan Slide - Playground Floreasca. Floreasca Development. Bucharest, Romania. Built In 1959-1960

Concrete Toboggan Slide - Playground Floreasca. Floreasca Development. Bucharest, Romania. Built In 1959-1960

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Phillip Moderow
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks to me like the "Toboggan of Death" for parents who don't much care for their children.

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#29

Hotel Salyut. Kyiv, Ukraine. Built Between 1976-1982

Hotel Salyut. Kyiv, Ukraine. Built Between 1976-1982

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#30

One Of The Two Halls Of Parting, Memory Park (Kyiv/Kiev) Ukraine. Built 1968–1981

One Of The Two Halls Of Parting, Memory Park (Kyiv/Kiev) Ukraine. Built 1968–1981

socialistmodernism Report

#31

Few Of The Many Imposing Statues Located In The Center Of The Monument To 1300 Years Of Bulgaria

Few Of The Many Imposing Statues Located In The Center Of The Monument To 1300 Years Of Bulgaria

socialistmodernism Report

#32

House Of Fashion, Belarus, Minsk, Built In 60's-70's

House Of Fashion, Belarus, Minsk, Built In 60's-70's

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#33

The Former Memorial House Of The Bulgarian Communist Party, (Buzludzha Monument), Shipka Pass, Bulgaria, Built In 1981

The Former Memorial House Of The Bulgarian Communist Party, (Buzludzha Monument), Shipka Pass, Bulgaria, Built In 1981

socialistmodernism Report

#34

Pearl Cafe, (Now Mirvari Cafe) Baku, Azerbaijan Built In 1961

Pearl Cafe, (Now Mirvari Cafe) Baku, Azerbaijan Built In 1961

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deejak
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think I see a Trump tower in the distance....oh, wait, no.....

#35

Palace Of Weddings, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Built In 1987

Palace Of Weddings, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Built In 1987

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kitten levels tokyo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very symmetrical except for the sign above the door. They should have used a palindrome!

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#36

Memorial Monument "The Defenders Of Stara Zagora" 1977. Chadir Moghila, Stara Zagora County, Bulgaria

Memorial Monument "The Defenders Of Stara Zagora" 1977. Chadir Moghila, Stara Zagora County, Bulgaria

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Hippopotamuses
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There’s a lot of symbolism in there. Too much for people who don’t know the history associated with it.

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#37

Monument To The Uprising Of The People Of Kordun And Banija / Spomenik Ustanku Naroda Banije I Korduna Petrovac, Petrova Gora, Croatia Unveiled In 1981

Monument To The Uprising Of The People Of Kordun And Banija / Spomenik Ustanku Naroda Banije I Korduna Petrovac, Petrova Gora, Croatia Unveiled In 1981

socialistmodernism Report

#38

Hotel “Cosmos" Moscow, Russia, Built In 1979

Hotel “Cosmos" Moscow, Russia, Built In 1979

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Neuropotathy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To that panda who wanted to drive up the monument: in Night Watch movie (2004) a car races on this curve wall.

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#39

Bus Stop No.12, Network Of Bus Stations, Near Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Built In The Late 70s

Bus Stop No.12, Network Of Bus Stations, Near Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Built In The Late 70s

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#40

Haludovo Resort, Malinska, Croatia, Built In 1972

Haludovo Resort, Malinska, Croatia, Built In 1972

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#41

Lviv Bus Terminal Stryiska 109, Lviv, Ukraine Built In 1980

Lviv Bus Terminal Stryiska 109, Lviv, Ukraine Built In 1980

socialistmodernism Report

#42

Biotürme, Part Of Former Lauchhammer Coking Plant, (Decontamination Towers/Gdr-Heavy Industry.) Lauchhammer, 1957

Biotürme, Part Of Former Lauchhammer Coking Plant, (Decontamination Towers/Gdr-Heavy Industry.) Lauchhammer, 1957

socialistmodernism Report

#43

Apartment Building On Karowa Street, Warsaw, Poland Built In 1978

Apartment Building On Karowa Street, Warsaw, Poland Built In 1978

socialistmodernism Report

#44

Ferant Garden Residential Quarter Ljubljana, Slovenia, Built In 1975

Ferant Garden Residential Quarter Ljubljana, Slovenia, Built In 1975

socialistmodernism Report

#45

Pantheon To The Heroes In The Serbo-Bulgarian War, Gurgulyat, Bulgaria, Built In 1985

Pantheon To The Heroes In The Serbo-Bulgarian War, Gurgulyat, Bulgaria, Built In 1985

socialistmodernism Report

#46

Museum Of The Slovak National Uprising, Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, Built In 1969

Museum Of The Slovak National Uprising, Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, Built In 1969

socialistmodernism Report

#47

The Former Memorial House Of The Bulgarian Communist Party, (Buzludzha Monument), Shipka Pass, Bulgaria, Built In 1981

The Former Memorial House Of The Bulgarian Communist Party, (Buzludzha Monument), Shipka Pass, Bulgaria, Built In 1981

socialistmodernism Report

#48

Cafe In A Railway Station - Pkp Warszawa Powiśle, (Former Ticket Booth) And Main Entrance From The Puma Building; Warsaw, Poland, Designed And Built Between 1954-1963, Architects Arseniusz Romanowicz, Piotr Szymaniak

Cafe In A Railway Station - Pkp Warszawa Powiśle, (Former Ticket Booth) And Main Entrance From The Puma Building; Warsaw, Poland, Designed And Built Between 1954-1963, Architects Arseniusz Romanowicz, Piotr Szymaniak

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#49

Eastern Gate Of Belgrade, Rudo Buildings, (Istočne Kapije) Belgrade, Serbia, Built In 1976, Architect: Vera Ćirković Engineer: Milutin Jerotijević

Eastern Gate Of Belgrade, Rudo Buildings, (Istočne Kapije) Belgrade, Serbia, Built In 1976, Architect: Vera Ćirković Engineer: Milutin Jerotijević

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#50

University Of Wroclaw, Building Of The Faculty Of Mathematics And Computer Science - Facade From The Odra River, With A Mosaic By Anna Szpakowska-Kujawska. 1971. Wroclaw, Poland

University Of Wroclaw, Building Of The Faculty Of Mathematics And Computer Science - Facade From The Odra River, With A Mosaic By Anna Szpakowska-Kujawska. 1971. Wroclaw, Poland

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Peppy
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It very sad. Like all those souls are being pulled into the whirlpool

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Note: this post originally had 145 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.