The National Philharmonic of Ukraine has holding its concerts seasons since 1863 when the Kiev Branch of the Emperor Russian Musical society (ERMS) was founded.

In 1962 the Hall of Columns of the Kiev State Philharmonic was named after Mykola Lysenko on the occasion of the 120-th birth anniversary and the 50-th death anniversary of the composer. In connection with the centenary of the building of the Merchants Assembly it was granted the status of an architectural monument.