The former gymnasium for girls is located on the territory of the ancient Val (the Rampart). H.P. Halahan Chernihiv Regional Art Museum is housed in the gymnasium now.
According to historical documents, the gymnasium was founded in 1865 as a first grade school in Chernihiv. The educational institution was in a detached house. In the first school year, there were 4 classes and only 92 students. But by the end of the school year, the number of school girls increased up to 108 people. The number of girls wishing to receive secondary education increased fast. So, in the following two years, the 5th and 6th grades were started. Moreover, in the central part of the city (on the Rampart) a new wooden single-story educational building was constructed. After, in 1869 the 7th preparatory class was started. At that time, there were 214 school girls from various representatives of the society. When the resolution "Regulations on Gymnasiums" came into force, the educational institution got the status “gymnasium” (1870). In 1915, it had eight profile and two preparatory classes and 840 school girls from Chernihiv and other parts of gubernia studied there. Mainly the Humanities were taught there; such as: foreign languages, music, dancing, singing, needlework, etiquette and manners.
In 1899, the gymnasium for girls got the new two-storey building which was constructed on the territory of former fortress. It is interesting to know that originally the main facade was from the opposite side. The wide staircase with banisters led to the massive front door. Now, this part of the building is in the inner yard of the museum.
In 1919, the labour school was established in the gymnasium for girls. In different periods of time it was named after V. Lenin and V. Korolenko. Later, secondary school #2 was placed there. The school had been there till 1983 when it moved to a new building. Since then the Art Museum has been housed there.
