By Veronika Gromova
“The exhibits and videos for the new museum are almost ready, with the launch to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Belarus proclaiming its sovereignty,’ explains the Director of the National History Museum, Sergey Vecher. The new museum is to be a branch of the National History Museum. As Mr. Vecher explains, “The realities of modern Belarus deserve no less attention than the complicated history of our state. It’s important that we position Belarus as an independent country, telling visitors to Minsk of its economic and cultural achievements.”
Speaking of international collaboration in the museum sphere, Mr. Vecher notes that, in late 2011, an agreement was signed with Lithuania’s National History Museum to create a virtual exhibition of Vilno’s Belarusian Museum. The latter features many artefacts relating to the history and culture of the Belarusian nation in the period between the wars. It was set up in 1918 by famous Belarusian archaeologist Ivan Lutskevich (whose 130th birthday was celebrated last year). At present, an agreement is being signed to realise a joint exhibition with the museum located within the Palace of Grand Dukes of Lithuania, in Vilnius. It will open at the National History Museum of Belarus in April, devoted to the history of the palace and the life of its famous dukes. Medieval tapestries, weapons and maps from the time of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania will be on show.
Moreover, the national history museums of Belarus and Russia plan to launch Golden Items from the Collections of the State History Museum, featuring 16th-early 20th century decorative-and-applied arts, in addition to rare printed editions decorated with gold.
Mr. Vecher tells us that his museum is currently hosting an exhibition devoted to the 200th anniversary of the 1812 War, showcasing items from the Mogilev and Vitebsk regional local history museums, Kobrin’s A.V. Suvorov Military-Historical Museum, the National Library of Belarus and the National Archives of Belarus. Military uniforms have been recreated for the exhibition.
