Complex "Honore de Balzac", Berdychiv: works completion, solemn inauguration of the monument

On November 2, 2011 in the town of Berdychiv there was inaugurated the monument to Honore de Balzac in honor of the completion of construction works of the complex of the same name, whose developer is a company BETEN International. The author of the statue is an honored artist of Ukraine V. Feshchenko. Such a significant event in the town's life was the reason for the French delegation visit, consisting of the Adviser for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of France in Ukraine Petro Bernard, Counselor for Cultural Affairs Ann Durufle, director of the House H. de Balzac in Paris Yves Ganio and, of course, the president of BETEN International Jean Roche.

The extensive program started with the opening press conference at City Hall, in which the president of the company BETEN International Jean Roche noted that the concept of the complex includes luxury apartments, restaurants and shopping malls: "At one place we tried to combine all the elements of infrastructure that are necessary to the population of the city. We will constantly strive to give the object some French charm and style through the organizing of activities. That's why we actively enjoy the support of the collaborators of the French Embassy in Ukraine. The complex is not only a business project, but it also has a significant social infrastructure, where the Museum of H. de Balzac is its special feature, as well as an exhibition and conference halls".

The guests also visited the church of St. Barbara, where there was the wedding of the legendary couple - of H. Balzac and E. Ghanska.

"Today's event is absolutely logical manifestation of respect for the great writer. Berdychiv is a city with its own mentality, which was one of Balzac's favorite cities. It was here, in this beautiful area, where he met his charming Evelina Ghanska, who had become a real love of his life. Berdychiv is a special city, according to the famous words of the writer Ukraine starts from Berdychiv. It is thanks to this brilliant person that is was possible to combine the three cultures: Ukrainian, French and Polish", - said the chairman of the Zhytomyr Oblast Joseph Zapalovsky.

Within the event it was also held the city's first festival of graffiti on the topic "Life and work of H. de Balzac". The main facade of the complex was decorated with five canvases on which a few days there worked one of the best Ukrainian teams in the graffiti area. The end of the festival was devoted to the day of monument's inauguration.

The history of the complex "Honore de Balzac" is coming up to its homestretch: the construction and installation works are completed, other works inside the building are also coming to the end. The monument's openning is a kind of summing up of the first significant step. The second phase, namely the beginning of the complex, the company hopes to start before the New Year holidays.

For more information about the event see our photo report.