The building of the former kenesa (the Karaite synagogue) was constructed by the architect Vladislav Gorodetsky, in an unusual Moorish style, on commission by the Kiev community of the Karaites, who are considered to descend from the ancient Khazar people.
In 1896, the community consisted of 800 people. Solomon Cohen, the leader of the community, allocated 35,000 roubles for the purpose of purchasing a land plot where the kenesa and a residential house would be constructed; the latter was supposed to bring profit that would be used for the charity needs of the Karaite community.
Despite the fact that in 1897 Cohen was struck down by paralysis, he continued to personally manage affairs. Cohen died in 1900. His will included, among other things, funds for the completion of the temple. The work of Solomon Cohen was continued by his brother, Moisey. In total, around 200,000 roubles were spent for the construction.
On 27 January 1902, the kenesa was solemnly consecrated by Samuil Pampulov, the hakham of Taurida and Odessa. The ceremony was attended by the vice-governor, the mayor, the rector of the university and other officials.
The building was decorated with a splendid dome and moulding of extreme beauty created by the Italian Elia Sala who used cement, which was a rather expensive material at the time.
The main facade was emphasised with a monumental portal and a carnice. The walls of the facade and of the interior were decorated with stone carving imitation and arabesque moulding.
After the Communists had seized power, the kenesa was shut down. The activities of the community were stopped.
In 1926, the building of the former kenesa was occupied by a politprosvet (political education) institution; later, the building housed the Puppet Theatre.
The kenesa suffered irreparable damage: the temple's brilliantly-made dome was lost forever. Today, the temple lacks an essential part, a spheric dome with a spire.
In 1952, the building was occupied by the Zarya Cinema.
In 1968, the building was remodelled.
In the 1970s, a small room was added to the kenasa, providing an easy access to the building.
Since 1981, the building has been occupied by the House of the Actor of the Ukrainian National Theatre Union.
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