The Day We Scanned the Kyiv Opera House

A Unique 3D Scanning Mission

In 2021, amid the second or third wave of COVID-19, I received a call from a colleague who runs Monark, a 3D scanning company based in Paris. They were looking for an expert to operate the Faro S Lidar 3D scanner to digitize the iconic Kyiv Opera House for a new Coca-Cola commercial.

3D laser scanners are contactless devices that capture millions of data points using infrared laser technology. Within minutes, they generate highly detailed 3D images, known as point clouds, which can then be merged with photographic textures taken with a DSLR camera.

Why I Accepted the Project

I immediately accepted the opportunity. I had heard about Kyiv’s growing instability in recent years, and some even warned me against traveling there. But beyond the professional challenge, this project had a deep personal meaning for me.

My paternal grandfather fled the Russian pogroms, which targeted Jewish communities between World War I and World War II. His village was completely destroyed, forcing him to escape to Argentina, where he died in exile before I was born.

On my maternal side, my grandmother’s family—Ukrainian Jews—fled Ukraine before World War I, escaping both Russian and Ukrainian pogroms. Many of my ancestors were massacred and thrown into mass graves, some of which may still remain undiscovered to this day.

This tragic family history gave me an even stronger reason to visit Ukraine and be part of this historic 3D scanning project.

Scanning the Kyiv Opera House: A Race Against Time

Accompanied by the talented French team from Monark, including Jérôme Battistelli and Johan Giner, we arrived in Kyiv with only one day to fully scan the Kyiv Opera House—a monumental task!

To my surprise, we were warmly welcomed by our Ukrainian production partners. We were accommodated in a luxury hotel and treated like VIPs. Despite my initial concerns, Kyiv felt modern, vibrant, and safe. (Ironically, the Ukrainian production team was called “Shelter”).

When we visited the Kyiv Opera House in 2021, well before the Russian invasion, it was clear that this magnificent landmark had seen better days. However, its grandeur and history were still breathtaking:

• Massive chandeliers hanging from dark wooden rafters
• Faded framed posters showcasing past performances
• A rich cultural legacy that stood the test of time

Working quickly and efficiently, we completed the 3D scanning while the production company filmed beside us.

Kyiv’s Electric Nightlife

After a long day of work, we had the chance to explore Kyiv’s nightlife. What we discovered was incredible:

• Trendy bars and stylish venues
• A young, fashionable crowd
• Striking street art and live music
• Talented DJs spinning in packed clubs
• Delicious cocktails and premium vodka

The atmosphere reminded me of Tel Aviv on a Saturday night—energetic, modern, and full of life. This first trip to Kyiv was not only reassuring but also thrilling and unforgettable.

Kyiv Today: A Heartbreaking Reality

Now, watching the news and seeing Kyiv at war fills me with grief and anger. The atrocities committed by the Russian army echo the horrors my ancestors endured. My family knows this pain all too well.

Preserving History Through 3D Scanning

We successfully completed our Coca-Cola commercial, enjoyed our last cocktails, and returned to Paris—leaving Kyiv behind. But we also left with something priceless: a digital replica of the Kyiv Opera House, a time capsule of a city that has since changed forever.

Back then, 3D scanning in Ukraine during COVID-19 gave us a stunning ad for Coca-Cola. Today, I can’t even recognize the Kyiv Opera House we scanned.

The world has changed.