4th Female Gymnasium in Tsaritsyn

The 4th Female Gymnasium in Tsaritsyn is a historic building in what is now Volgograd, Russia. Constructed in 1862 by local merchant Alexander Shlykov, it originally served various educational purposes before becoming the 4th Female Gymnasium in 1910. After the Russian Revolution, it housed several educational institutions, including a pedagogical institute. During the Battle of Stalingrad, the building was heavily damaged. It was reconstructed between 1947 and 1952 and converted into the 'Gvardeyets' cinema. Since 1994, it has been used by the Cossack Theatre, a musical and dramatic theatre founded in 1992. The building is recognized as a regional cultural heritage site. Today, it operates as the Volgograd Musical and Dramatic Cossack Theatre, offering a diverse repertoire including folklore performances, classical works, modern plays, and children's shows. The theatre is funded by the Volgograd Oblast Culture Committee and participates in the Pushkin Card program, allowing young Russians to purchase tickets. The building itself is noted for its eclectic architectural style with modern elements and is surrounded by local legends.

The building was constructed in 1862 in Tsaritsyn at the corner of Dubovskaya and Knyagininskaya streets by the construction artel of local merchant Alexander Shlykov. On September 5, 1910 (Old Style), the 4th Female Gymnasium was opened in the building, the only one in the Zatsaritsyn part of the city. From 1911, it also housed a primary educational institution, the city four-class female school. By 1913, the gymnasium lacked space, so an extension was added to the western facade, giving the building a G-shape and a corner tower. After the revolution, various educational institutions occupied the building, including a pedagogical institute in the pre-war years. During the Battle of Stalingrad, the building was heavily damaged; in September 1942, the 92nd Separate Rifle Brigade of the 62nd Army fought fierce battles there. Between 1947 and 1952, it was restored according to the design of architects Georgy Rossikhin and Viktor Kubikov and converted into a cinema. During reconstruction, the wing facing Raboche-Krestyanskaya Street was dismantled to widen the street for a future highway, giving the building its modern appearance. In 1952, the 'Gvardeyets' cinema with 675 seats opened. Since 1994, the building has been used by the Cossack Theatre. The theatre itself was founded in 1992 and has developed its own unique style over three decades, gaining public recognition. Its repertoire includes productions of various genres: folklore spectacles, classical works, modern plays, historical reconstructions, musical programs, children's performances, and theatrical events. The ensemble participates in city and regional events, conducts charity actions, and organizes programs for youth and children. Premieres, tours, and festivals are regularly held. The building is a regional cultural heritage site. Some facade elements are in poor condition; for example, one of the cupids in the central sculptural group has lost its head. Several city legends are associated with the building, including one about merchant Shlykov building it in memory of his drowned daughter, and another about ghosts. These legends may be mystifications to attract visitors.

• 1994

  Building transferred to the Cossack Theatre.

• 1992

  Cossack Theatre founded.

• 1952

  Restored and converted into 'Gvardeyets' cinema with 675 seats.

• 1942

  Building heavily damaged during Battle of Stalingrad; 92nd Separate Rifle Brigade fought there in September.

• 1913

  Extension added to western facade, giving building G-shape and corner tower.

• 1911

  City four-class female school also housed in the building.

• 1910

  4th Female Gymnasium opened in the building on September 5 (Old Style).

• 1862

  Building constructed in Tsaritsyn by merchant Alexander Shlykov.

Regional cultural heritage site and home of the Volgograd Musical and Dramatic Cossack Theatre, offering diverse performances for the public.

• Theatre performances

  Various genres including folklore, classical, modern, historical reconstructions, musical, children's, and theatrical events.

1. 1Волгоградский музыкально-драматический казачий театрkazachiy-theatre.ru
2. 2Услуги и ценыkazachiy-theatre.ru
3. 3Правила посещения по «Пушкинской карте»kazachiy-theatre.ru
4. 4Wikidata: 4th female gymnasium in Tsaritsynwikidata.org
5. 5Здание 4-й женской гимназииru.wikipedia.org