Building a man”s grammar school in Mstislavl

The Building of the Former Male Gymnasium in Mstsislaw is a unique historical and architectural landmark from the early 20th century, a symbol of enlightenment and educational development in the region. It is located in the center of the ancient city of Mstsislaw, one of the oldest towns in Belarus, and is included in the route of many excursions across Belarus. Although the building is no longer used for its original purpose, its history and architecture still attract the interest of tourists and local historians.

History

The idea of establishing a male gymnasium in Mstsislaw emerged in the late 19th century, when the local community increasingly voiced the need for a secondary educational institution. In 1899, the newspaper “Belarusian Commissioner” publicly raised the issue of building a gymnasium, and the initiative was supported by the town's public. In 1900, the Mstsislaw City Council officially approved the project. The financial issue was resolved thanks to a bequest of 40,000 rubles from the noblewoman A.N. Stakhovskaya. Additionally, local authorities allocated 120,000 rubles from the city budget. The project was designed by architect S.M. Volonsevich. By 1908, the building had been constructed and handed over to the Ministry of Public Education.

After the revolution, the building continued to serve educational purposes. From 1925, it housed a pedagogical college, which soon opened a literary studio called "Molodnyak." Later, the building became School No. 1 — one of the largest and brightest in the city, where generations of Mstsislaw residents studied and worked. However, in 2001 the school was closed due to the building's deteriorating condition, and students moved to the new building of Secondary School No. 2. Since then, the former gymnasium has stood empty. Currently, the building is in poor condition and has been put up for sale, but no buyers have come forward yet, as the property requires major restoration and comes with legal and maintenance obligations.

Architecture

The building was designed by architect S.M. Volonsevich. The two-story structure with three interconnected wings fit harmoniously into the historical layout of the city. Spacious halls, large windows, and high ceilings made the educational process comfortable and progressive for its time. The building became a vivid example of early 20th-century civic-educational architecture, combining functionality with aesthetic expression. Today, despite the partial loss of some architectural elements, the gymnasium's structure continues to attract the interest of researchers and tourists.

Excursions

The former male gymnasium is included in many excursions across Belarus, particularly popular among fans of historical routes. It draws the attention of school groups, themed tours, and independent travelers alike. A guided tour from Minsk to Mstsislaw with a visit to the former gymnasium offers a chance to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a pre-revolutionary educational center. Here, visitors learn about the history of the building, the lives of its students and teachers, and how its role evolved throughout the 20th century.