Mykolaiv Begins Restoration of Historic Mykola Arkas Lyceum After Russian Missile Attack

With funding from the Danish government, Mykolaiv has begun restoring the Mykola Arkas Lyceum. The historic building was destroyed by a Russian missile on the night of November 1, 2022.

According to the Mykolaiv City Council, the first stage of reconstruction is currently underway - stabilization work involving the dismantling of emergency structures and the construction of new ones. The main goal is to make the building safe for further use, to repair damage to the facade and roof. In addition, the project provides for major repairs to the walls, preparation for the arrangement of a shelter, and strengthening of the foundation.

Photo: press service of Mykolaiv City Council

UNOPS civil engineer Vira Syrykh said that the building was first reinforced to prevent a collapse, then dangerous structures are being dismantled and restored. At the same time, major repairs are underway to the facade and basement, which will serve as the basis for a future shelter.

Photo: press service of Mykolaiv City Council.

Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych, his deputy Serhiy Korenev, UNOPS Ukraine Manager Teresa Molero Rodriguez, representatives of the Danish Embassy and the contractor personally inspected the progress of the work at the facility.

Photo: Mykolaiv City Council press service.

"This building is perhaps the oldest in Mykolaiv, over 160 years old. It survived two world wars, but the Russians did not let it survive this war," said Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych.

The reconstruction of the lyceum began in January 2024 and is currently on schedule. The stabilization phase is expected to be completed in September-October 2025. The work is being carried out by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Ukraine with financial support from the Danish government.

Denmark wanted to restore the Mykola Arkas Lyceum, which was destroyed by a missile attack by the Russian occupation army, back in 2023. It was supposed to be done at the expense of an international partner.

On the night of November 1, 2022, the Russian military fired four S-300 missiles at Mykolaiv. As a result of this shelling, the Mykolaiv Lyceum named after Mykola Arkas, a building built in 1892, is considered a historical and architectural monument of the city. An enemy missile destroyed the front part of the building, destroying the hall, lobby, several classrooms, an art gallery, and damaging the computer science and principal's offices.

In 2023, Mykolaiv region was among the "leaders" in terms of damage to educational institutions. 246 facilities were damaged, and 33 were completely destroyed.

Андрій Колісніченко