An event was held in Chuguiv to mark the 200th anniversary of an architectural monument - the building housing the House of Children's and Youth Creativity. The event took place on the eve of the International Day of Monuments and Sites, which is celebrated on April 18. It was organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Chuguiv City Council together with the staff of the I.Yu. Repin Art Memorial Museum.
The event began with a symbolic event - the presentation of an information thematic board "200 years out of time: a moment frozen in stone", which tells about the history of the architectural monument - the building of the Chuguiv State University of Applied Sciences. Deputy Mayor - Head of the Executive Committee Lyudmila Makarenko, addressing those present, noted that even in difficult war conditions it is important to preserve cultural heritage and pass on knowledge about it to the younger generation.
Museum employees held an interactive session for children. The students of the BDYUT had the opportunity to learn about the history of the building, its architectural features and various stages of use - from the squadron school to the city council, a military hospital and a modern after-school institution. During the session, the children performed tasks related to historical events, solved riddles and got acquainted with little-known facts about their hometown.
The common opinion of children and adults was especially touching: everyone dreams of the war ending as soon as possible, so that they can return to their home walls of the historic building and hold similar events in a peaceful, familiar environment.
The event combined educational, nurturing, and patriotic components, becoming an example of how the community continues to live, learn, and remember its history, despite the challenges of the present.
Historical background:
The building, erected 200 years ago in Chuguiev, is a typical example of the architecture of military settlements of the first half of the 19th century. It was built according to a typical project as a squadron school, combined with a chapel, workshops and office premises. The structure was distinguished by harmonious proportions and functional planning, designed for the education of up to 80 students.
During the 19th century, the building changed its purpose several times: from 1841 it housed regimental and administrative institutions, and from 1861 it housed city government bodies, including the Duma, the City Council, as well as a library and a public bank. It was here that the first meeting of the Chuguiv City Duma took place in 1873. The building is also associated with the name of the artist Ilya Repin, whose anniversary was celebrated here in 1914.
During the turbulent period of 1917–1921, the building served as the headquarters of various government agencies, and later, in 1925, as the Peasant House. In 1935, the Pioneer House, the first after-school institution in the district, was opened here. During World War II, the building was used as a military hospital and suffered significant damage, after which it was restored in the post-war years.
Today, in 2026, this monument with almost 200 years of history continues to fulfill its educational mission as the Chuguiv House of Children's and Youth Creativity, preserving the connection between generations and historical memory.