According to informed sales director of a construction company ArtHouse Group Volodymyr Tsvion, a new development project is planned to be implemented on the site of the former cinema. It will be presented after receiving all necessary permits from the city authorities.
Facade of the former Kosmos cinema, Zhytomyr, May 13, 2026. Public Zhytomyr / Anzhelika Nesterchuk
According to Volodymyr Tsvion, one of the key conditions of the competition for the development was the preservation of the mosaic panel. After restoration, it is planned to be integrated into the facade of the new building.
"About 90% of the panels will be preserved in their authentic form. Experts will also restore elements damaged by time," he noted.
A mosaic panel is being dismantled from the facade of the former Kosmos cinema, Zhytomyr, May 13, 2026. Public Zhytomyr / Anzhelika Nesterchuk
Project manager for the transfer and restoration of the mosaic, team artist Mural Craft Anastasia Sladkovska explained that the panels are dismantled in small sections to avoid cracking the material.
Anastasia Sladkovska, Zhytomyr, May 13, 2026. Public Zhytomyr / Anzhelika Nesterchuk
According to her, the mosaic is made of smalt fixed on a cement mortar without a reinforcing layer, so the surface is first reinforced with several layers of gauze and fabric. After that, the fragments will be cut into squares approximately one meter by one meter and cut from the wall with a diamond saw along with the base layer.
During the restoration process, the mosaic will not only be dismantled, but also reassembled, restoring the lost elements. According to Anastasia Sladkovska, the work uses classical methods of restoring mosaic panels, which are also used in Italy during the restoration of historical objects.
Facade of the former Kosmos cinema, Zhytomyr, May 13, 2026. Public Zhytomyr / Anzhelika Nesterchuk
Kyiv masters of the art association also joined the project Grout. Artist Anastasia Lelyuk called this case one of the greatest examples of the transfer of mosaic art in Ukraine during the period of independence.
She emphasized that cooperation between developers, restorers, city authorities, and the cultural community can become an important example of a responsible attitude towards monumental heritage.
Mosaic panel, Zhytomyr, May 13, 2026. Public Zhytomyr / Anzhelika Nesterchuk
The dismantling of the mosaic panel is planned to be completed by May 17, 2026.
We previously wrote that Kyiv is planning to provide additional protection to mosaics from the 1950s-1980s.
See also:
After 30 years of oblivion: what does the mosaic in Kamianka, Cherkasy region, look like?
Clinker mosaic, dried flowers on the ceiling and borscht in the beds: AIIX studio project at VDNH
A guide with unique mosaics of Bessarabia has been published