The North Caucasian Philharmonic Hall of Kislovodsk named after Vasily Safonov is located near the railway station. Until 1917, it was the center of the resort life of the city. There was a concert hall, a library, restaurants and large halls for receptions. Such houses in resort towns were called Kursaal (Resort Hall).
The Kursaal in Kislovodsk was built in 1895. The initiative to build a Kursaal in Kislovodsk belongs to the conductor and director of the Moscow Conservatory Vasily Safonov. He was born in the Caucasus and often came here on tour. Later, the Kislovodsk Philharmonic Hall was named after him.
Funds for the construction of the Kursaal were allocated by the Vladikavkaz Railway Company. It was a business project for them. With the increase in passenger traffic to Kislovodsk, their incomes increased, and the public at the resort received a magnificent entertainment complex where it was possible to spend time pleasantly.
The building of the Kislovodsk Philharmonic Hall is located on the slope of a mountain that descends from the railway station to the Narzan Gallery and Resort Boulevard. So, the center of resort life shifted from the Fortress of Kislovodsk, where the city was founded, to the railway station.
Famous artists of that time performed in the Kursaal of Kislovodsk: Fyodor Chaliapin, Isadora Duncan, Matilda Kshesinskaya, Sergey Rachmaninov and many others. Chaliapin was especially fond of Kislovodsk. In memory of Chaliapin`s performances in Kislovodsk, a museum of Villa of Chaliapin was created near the train station.
The Philharmonic Hall building was designed by architect Valerian Gusev, and built by engineer Evgeny Diskubes. The building is built in the Art Nouveau style with neo-Renaissance elements. There were no similar entertainment complexes in other cities of Mineral Water region.
Since it was located right next to the train station, it was convenient for people to come here from neighboring cities. Nowadays, the Kislovodsk Philharmonic Hall has ceased to be the center of resort life, but performances of artists are still held here.
