In the center of the Belarusian capital on a cozy Karl Marx street there is a pretty mansion. This is the Historical Museum of Minsk. A visit to Belarus would be incomplete if at least for a short time you didn’t look into this amazing place.
How the historical museum was created in Minsk
In 1908, a museum dedicated to history was founded by enthusiasts in the Belarusian capital. It was located on the bishops' courtyard and opened once a week. He became the first museum institution of this kind in Minsk. A few years later, a separate building is allocated for the museum exhibition.
In 1923, the Belarusian State Museum was opened, which received visitors until the Second World War. But during the occupation, many exhibits were stolen or destroyed. The exposure was restored for a long time. The museum complex reopened in 1957.
Over the course of 50 years, the institution was renamed several times, until in 2009 its current name, the National History Museum of the Republic of Belarus, was finally determined.
Walk around the mansion
The richest funds make up the glory and pride of the Historical Museum in Minsk, about 400 thousand exhibits are in various exhibitions, permanent and temporary, in storage. Interesting collections of coins and ceramics, archaeological finds from different eras, samples of the first printed books, rare documents and annals, costumes, weapons, jewelry, works of folk craftsmen and much more will be seen here by visitors.
The museum exposition is divided into 40 departments, where exhibits are systematically presented from primitive times to the present. The most interesting and popular:
- Ancient Belarus;
- Revival of spirituality;
- Belarus in portraits and heraldry.
To the museum in an hour
Of course, the National History Museum in Minsk is an interesting place. But if there is little time, but you want to see the most important thing, then you should pay attention to the following exhibits:
- spiky and scraper, which are 40 thousand years old - the oldest in Europe;
- genuine shaman's baton;
- stone idol of the 10th century AD;
- copies of the Radziwill Chronicle;
- treasure, of which more than a thousand were found in Belarus.
The museum has 3 interactive sites:
- virtual trip to Golshansky and Krevsky castles;
- Bible study of Francis Skorina in 3-D format;
- on a copy of the Gutenberg machine you can independently print an engraving for memory.
Excursions for groups and individual visitors
To visit the museum to the maximum benefit, guests are offered excursions. Several route options to choose from, depending on the interests and age of the tourists:
- About the history of Belarus, from ancient times to the XVIII century. During the tour, it is told about how the Slavs mastered these lands, how the states were formed, how arts and crafts, and book printing developed.
- Students will be interested in programs during which they learn about the Polotsk and Turov principalities, as well as about how writing developed in Belarus.
- A rich collection of portraits and heraldic signs will appeal to connoisseurs and connoisseurs of this art form and history.
- Finally, the most popular is a sightseeing tour of permanent exhibits and temporary exhibitions.
Souvenirs
The duty of every self-respecting tourist is to bring home souvenirs. In the National History Museum of Minsk in the lobby there is a souvenir shop where original handicrafts of local craftsmen are presented.
Woven from straws and beads, woven and embroidered crafts, dolls and models of military equipment are always in demand and leave a good memory of the visit. Here you can buy real rarities and souvenirs with a logo.
Branches
The National History Museum in Minsk is represented by several branches. Their visit will not leave you indifferent, because thanks to them you better understand how Belarus lived, what were the traditions of its people, culture and achievements.
Museums that are part of:
- Modern Belarusian statehood;
- The House-Museum of the First Congress of the RSDLP, where you can learn not only about the activities of the Social Democrats, but also about the life of provincial Minsk in the 19th and 20th centuries;
- Nature and ecology of Belarus;
- History of Belarusian cinema;
- History of theatrical and musical culture of the Republic.
How the National History Museum of Minsk Works
The largest cultural and scientific center of the Belarusian capital receives visitors every day, and without days off.
The Minsk Historical Museum opens its doors at exactly 11 a.m. in order to receive guests by 6.30 p.m. Closes at 7 p.m.
How to get there more conveniently
To get to the National Historical Museum is not difficult even for a visitor. The complex is located in the center of the capital of Belarus, and it can be found at: 12 Karl Marx Museum of History, Minsk.
The street is located parallel to the main avenue of the capital - Independence Ave. Therefore, it is convenient to get on the subway, leaving at the station Oktyabrskaya or Ploshchad Lenina. You will have to walk about 600-800 m.
A lot of buses and minibuses ply along Independence Avenue, so you can get to the center quickly and without problems.
