The Kutaisi classical gymnasium was founded in 1830 as a provincial school, in 1850, the school was transformed into a a boys’ gymnasium.
In 1851-1854 the gymnasium was expanded; a new two-story building was erected near the Golden Pavilion (today’s Rustaveli Street). This exact building is shown on the postcard.
In 1879, the institution was reorganised into a classical gimnasium.
The gymnasium was closed in 1918.
Many graduates of the Kutaisi Classical Gymnasium later became famous – Akaki Tsereteli (1840–1915), Vladimir Mayakovsky (1893–1930), Ekvtime Takaishvili (1862–1953).
Monuments to the latter two stand in the courtyard of the gymnasium.
Today, the old building of the gymnasium has been greatly altered: in the 1960s a third floor was added, and the impressive façade with its classical-style portico was demolished.