At 218 Khreshchatyk Street in Cherkasy once stood the Samoylovska Women’s Gymnasium, built in the early 20th century. At that time, Cherkasy had three women’s gymnasia, and the Samoylovska institution was considered one of the most prestigious. The state-run gymnasium for girls from noble families provided a classical education with an aristocratic atmosphere. The Samoylovska building was an architectural gem – a one-and-a-half-storey brick construction with a central and two side wings. The central part featured a foyer with a pool and fountains, a teachers’ room, and classrooms, while the side sections housed additional classes. The building accommodated about 400 students. Designed in the historicist style with elements of traditional Ukrainian architecture, it was adorned with an ornate pediment, triangular corner towers, high-arched windows, and decorative cornices.

Today, the site hosts Specialized School № 17 of Cherkasy. The original building was partially destroyed during World War II by shelling and fire, and it remained in ruins for years. In the 1950s, a new school building was constructed and completed in 1957. The current four-storey facility only partially retains the historical layout. A memorial plaque on the façade commemorates the original Samoylovska Gymnasium – a notable educational and cultural institution of pre-revolutionary Cherkasy.