Chocolate House
A historic mansion known for its 'chocolate' colored exterior and richly decorated interiors in Moorish, Byzantine, and Russian styles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Chocolate House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic mansion known for its 'chocolate' colored exterior and richly decorated interiors in Moorish, Byzantine, and Russian styles.
"Unbelievable beauty inside, a true piece of art that plunges you into history."
Book in Advance 📅
For tours or events, always phone ahead and book tickets. Essential for a guided experience.
Not a Chocolate Factory 🍫
The name comes from the exterior color, not confectionery. Manage expectations for a historical art house.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ornate Interior Styles
Upper Floor Rooms
Explore rooms showcasing distinct styles: Moorish, Byzantine, Russian, and Modern. A true art and history immersion.
Historical Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the unique 'chocolate' colored exterior and the building's early 20th-century construction. A piece of art itself.
Art and Culture Center
Throughout the House
Experience a blend of history, art, and culture with occasional events and temporary exhibitions. A unique museum experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Name
Manage Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance 📅
For tours or events, always phone ahead and book tickets. Essential for a guided experience.
Not a Chocolate Factory 🍫
The name comes from the exterior color, not confectionery. Manage expectations for a historical art house.
Quick Visit Recommended 👍
Ideal for a short stop, around 20 minutes. Best for those with limited time.
Check for Renovations 🚧
Some renovation work may be ongoing, but admission is reasonably priced.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance 📅
For tours or events, always phone ahead and book tickets. Essential for a guided experience.
Not a Chocolate Factory 🍫
The name comes from the exterior color, not confectionery. Manage expectations for a historical art house.
Quick Visit Recommended 👍
Ideal for a short stop, around 20 minutes. Best for those with limited time.
Check for Renovations 🚧
Some renovation work may be ongoing, but admission is reasonably priced.
Language Barrier? 🗣️
Information might be limited in English or Russian. Be prepared for potential communication challenges.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Chocolate House is appreciated for its unique 'chocolate' colored exterior and stunning, historically styled interiors, offering a glimpse into different art and culture periods. While some find it a beautiful and affordable hidden gem, others note its small size, limited information, and dated facilities.
"Very beautiful house and museum! For those who don’t know, it’s called the Chocolate House because of its color outside, reminds a chocolate bar, not because there is chocolate. 😉 However inside you will find a true piece of wonderful art. Especially the walls and ceilings. Unbelievable beauty. I would love to live in such place, being there you plunge into its history, big balls, dancing… must-see on your own eyes and must-visit. The price for ticket is good, not expensive. There are 2 floors. P.s. bathroom is a bit old, but it has all the facilities like paper and soap."
Tatiana Młynarska
"Nice little museum. There is still some renovation work being done but the cost of admission is not very expensive.
Would recommend if you have 20 minutes to spare."
Stanley Pain
"I would say, this place is not worth your time or money. Nothing really interesting, 5 or 6 almost empty rooms. Lack of information in English or even in Russian. Workers were very grumpy and it looked almost like they were very unhappy to see some visitors. Toilets... Old, smelly and not very clean."
Lina Grakauskaitė
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chocolate House is located in Kiev. Public transport options like buses and metro are available to reach the vicinity. It's advisable to check local transport apps for the most current routes and schedules.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce. It's recommended to research local parking options or consider using public transportation to avoid any parking hassles.
From Kiev's city center, you can typically take a bus or metro line that gets you closest to the Chocolate House. Consult a local map or navigation app for precise directions based on your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission price for the Chocolate House is generally considered not expensive and good value for the experience. +1
Yes, for guided tours or any special events, it is essential to phone the reception and book your ticket in advance.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check with the venue directly or look for recent visitor information online. Booking in advance is recommended for tours.
You can visit the house to see its interiors, but for a deeper understanding of the art and history, a guided tour is recommended. Booking for tours is essential.
While specific discount information isn't widely publicized, the general admission price is noted as not being expensive, suggesting it's already quite affordable. +1
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Chocolate House is famous for its unique 'chocolate' colored exterior and its richly decorated interiors, showcasing various historical art styles like Moorish and Byzantine. It's an art and culture center, not a place selling chocolate. +1
Inside, you'll find rooms decorated in distinct styles such as Russian, Byzantine, and Moorish. The house itself is a historical piece of art, built before the Bolshevik revolution. +1
While children might appreciate the unique decor, the focus is on historical art and culture. It's a quiet museum environment.
A visit to the Chocolate House is generally considered a short experience, with many visitors suggesting around 20 minutes is sufficient to see the main exhibits.
Restrooms are available, though some reviews mention they are older and could be cleaner. They are functional and provide basic facilities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, the Chocolate House does not sell chocolate or any food items. Its name is derived from the color of its exterior walls, and it functions as an art and culture center. +1
There are likely dining options in the vicinity of the Chocolate House in Kiev. It's advisable to explore the surrounding area for cafes and restaurants after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check on-site or inquire when booking your visit. Some historical sites have restrictions on flash photography or interior shots.
The exterior with its unique 'chocolate' color is a popular photo spot. Inside, the distinct interior design styles of each room offer unique photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be aware that information might be limited in English, and the restrooms are noted as being older. It's best suited for families who want a quick, visually interesting stop rather than an extended activity. Consider it for a short educational detour if your children have an interest in history or art.
🏛️ History Buffs
It's a chance to step back in time and appreciate the craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of a bygone era. The fact that it has undergone minimal renovation since its construction adds to its historical authenticity, though some may find this also means it's showing its age.
🎨 Art & Design Aficionados
Pay close attention to the details in the walls and ceilings, which are often cited as highlights. It's an opportunity to study historical interior design and decorative arts up close, making it a rewarding visit for anyone with an eye for aesthetics.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind the Name
Inside, the house reveals its true purpose as a showcase of diverse artistic influences. Visitors can explore rooms meticulously decorated in styles ranging from Moorish and Byzantine to Russian and Modern. This eclectic mix of interior design provides a fascinating journey through different aesthetic periods, making it a unique museum experience.
While the house may not offer any chocolate treats, its historical significance and artistic interiors make it a noteworthy destination. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most intriguing stories are found in unexpected places, and a building's name can be a delightful riddle to unravel.
Exploring the Interior Artistry
Further exploration reveals rooms dedicated to Russian decorative arts, offering a glimpse into traditional motifs and craftsmanship. The Modern style rooms provide a contrast, showcasing different artistic expressions. This deliberate curation of diverse styles makes wandering through the Chocolate House a visually rich and educational experience, highlighting the architectural and decorative trends of its era.
Visitors often remark on the unbelievable beauty of the walls and ceilings, noting how the house plunges you into its history. While some areas might show signs of age or ongoing renovation, the overall impression is one of preserved artistry and historical significance.
Visitor Experiences and Expectations
However, some visitors have expressed disappointment, noting that the house has few rooms and might not offer enough to sustain interest for longer periods. There are also comments about the lack of information in English or Russian, and some have found the staff to be less than welcoming. The condition of the restrooms has also been a point of criticism, described as old and not very clean.
It's important to approach the Chocolate House with the right expectations: it's a small, historical art house, not a large museum or a chocolate factory. For those who appreciate historical architecture and interior design, it can be a delightful and worthwhile visit, especially if booked in advance for a guided tour.
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