A new chapter in the history of Mykola Arkas Lyceum in Mykolaiv

We are preserving the building’s architectural character while modernising its interior, preparing classrooms and other spaces for the return of pupils and teachers.

Built in 1892 in central Mykolaiv, Mykola Arkas Lyceum survived both world wars. Its distinctive façade, with its columns, entrance porch and dome, became part of the city’s architectural heritage. In November 2022, two Russian S-300 missiles struck the building, threatening its survival.

Part of the façade collapsed. The main entrance porch and part of the upper floor structure were destroyed, while deep cracks appeared in the masonry and arches. Although the foundations survived, the building remained at risk of further collapse. The lyceum was fenced off to protect passers-by, and emergency responders installed temporary supports inside to hold the surviving structures in place.

The city authorities began looking for a way to save the building. For Mykolaiv, restoring the lyceum means preserving an important part of the city’s identity and bringing its pupils, who had been transferred to a neighbouring school, back to their own classrooms.

A UNOPS project, funded by the Government of Denmark, is helping to bring that day closer by restoring the lyceum building. As Mykolaiv’s strategic partner, Denmark is investing in the city’s recovery and long-term development even as the war continues. The restoration of the lyceum became part of this strategy in autumn 2023.

Before restoration could begin, the risk of collapse during the works had to be addressed. The work was therefore broadly divided into two phases: stabilisation and restoration.

UNOPS arranged an international expert review of the existing design documentation provided by the city, commissioned a separate design for stabilising the building and selected a contractor through a competitive tendering process. Engineering assessments, revisions to the design and securing a construction permit took time, but laid the groundwork for the works to proceed safely.

The stabilisation phase began in January 2025. Construction teams dismantled unsafe sections, reinforced adjoining structures, built new structural elements to support the restoration of the façade, carried out major repairs to the roof and walls, and deepened and waterproofed the basement in preparation for its future use as a shelter.

As the structures were exposed, it became clear that more work was needed than initially anticipated. Some original beams required reinforcement or replacement, and entire sections of the floor structure had to be rebuilt. The deep foundations and the foundations beneath the columns also required reinforcement and waterproofing.

The additional work and periods of adverse weather extended the stabilisation phase by approximately four months. This crucial stage was completed in May 2026, making the building safe for further restoration.

“The stabilisation phase was the most critical and complex. During the works, we encountered a number of situations that would have been difficult to anticipate,” says Teresa Molero Rodriguez, UNOPS senior project manager. “We recognise the cultural value of the lyceum, both for the people of Mykolaiv and for Ukraine. That is why we approach the work with the utmost care and respect.”

The next phase, approved by Denmark in late 2025, brings together two closely connected objectives: preserving the building’s historic character and adapting it so that children can safely attend lessons in person. The scope of this phase was also defined by the research and design documentation prepared by the city, in consultation with the cultural heritage departments of the city and regional administrations and the project’s lead architect.

As work continues, the building is revealing more of its history. After removing plaster, the team discovered original ventilation channels concealed within the walls. This finding allowed the engineers to refine the design: in most classrooms, the existing channels are being restored for reuse, reducing the need to install new surface-mounted ductwork.

Another glimpse into the past came with the discovery of an arch earlier in the works, at foundation level. This concealed structure has already been reinforced. It will be preserved in its original form and used as an additional passageway.

Naturally, work on the façade has attracted particular interest among local residents. Careful selection of materials is helping to preserve the building’s familiar appearance. To restore the walls, craftspeople are using limestone, the same stone from which the lyceum was originally built. White limestone is used in the inner layers of masonry, while yellow limestone, similar to the original stone, is used on the outer face. Even in concealed sections, the walls’ original stone construction is being replicated.

Surviving decorative features serve as models for recreating those that were lost. Moulds are made from the original elements and used to cast new capitals, pilasters and cornices. The façade’s columns will once again be adorned with the characteristic scrolls of Ionic capitals. Every stage of the restoration is coordinated with the cultural heritage authorities.

“We often have to obtain separate permissions even for things such as the colour of the roof, the colour of the mortar joints or the removal of elements from the façade,” says Vera Sarry, the project’s civil engineer.

Installation of the main dome, perhaps the building’s most recognisable feature, is beginning at attic level. Its geometry and proportions are being recreated to match its historic appearance. Part of the original dome survived the damage, and so the team was able to take precise measurements and produce templates for the new elements.

Alongside the preservation of historic features, the restoration will substantially improve conditions inside the lyceum. Heating, water supply, drainage and electrical systems, computer networks and fire alarms will all be upgraded to provide a modern learning environment. New windows and doors will improve the building’s energy efficiency.

Accessibility is an integral part of the project. Ramps, platform lifts, accessible toilets and tactile paving will help children and adults with access needs move around the school. To allow children to continue learning safely during aerial threats, a safe space is being fitted out in the basement, covering approximately 714 square metres and accommodating 434 pupils and 51 teaching and support staff.

Restoration is scheduled for completion in late 2027, although unforeseen work and the situation in the region may affect the timeline. Every restored arch, reinforced wall and refurbished classroom brings the lyceum closer to reopening.