One of the most famous buildings in Novorossiysk, City Hall, is located at 40 Sovetov Street. Previously, the city authorities met in a private house, which is now occupied by a children's music school.

The question of having a dedicated building for the Duma was raised multiple times. Eventually, a competition for the project was announced, and architect Semyon Kallistratov, who was then the city architect, won. He named his project "Medusa." According to the requirements of the deputies, the second floor housed the Duma meeting hall, the Administration, and the people's bank, while the first floor was designated for commercial premises.

The building is executed in an eclectic style, combining the logical forms of classicism, the ornate nature of baroque, and the straightforwardness of empire.

Construction began on September 23, 1907, after a prayer service, and was completed in the summer of 1909. Instead of the planned 120 thousand rubles, 178 thousand were spent. Deputies tried to find those responsible for the overspending, but the commission found no violations.

The Duma operated in the building until 1917. After the October Revolution, the deputies addressed the residents of Novorossiysk, stating that power belonged to the legitimate local self-government authorities.

On December 1, 1917, Soviet power was established in the city. The Duma self-dissolved, but the Administration continued to operate. The Military Revolutionary Committee was located in the building. In 1918, the Volunteer Army entered Novorossiysk, and fierce battles broke out in the city, particularly in the former Duma building.

From 1918 to 1920, attempts were made to restore the previous order. When Soviet power was reestablished in Novorossiysk, City Hall became the "House of Defense."

From 1939 to 1985, the building housed the Palace of Pioneers, and from 1952 to 1958, part of the premises was occupied by the Novorossiysk Historical Museum-Reserve.

Currently, the building is fully leased.