Journey through Belarusian museums

Tourism in the Blue-eyed country [Belarus’ nickname] is not just about majestic castles, picturesque national parks, and cosy agro-estates. The museum exhibitions here can surprise even the most seasoned travellers.

The Unconquered Man sculpture is the centre of Khatyn memorial complex. The figure of a peasant with a murdered boy in his
arms became a symbol of the tragedy.     belta

Do not hold back tears

One of the youngest museums in Belarus is located within the memorial complex of Khatyn. The project for its construction was discussed back in the 1960s but was rejected: the wound from the fiery tragedy was still too fresh. However, now, with neo-Nazism raising its head literally in a neighbouring country, such projects are simply essential. 
Funds for the museum’s construction were raised during a nationwide cleanup day, and it was built in less than a year. 
The authors of the museum’s concept invite visitors to experience the history of Khatyn through modern audiovisual solutions. There are minimal exhibits, but what is seen touches the soul deeply. During tours, even adult men weep. 
Location: Minsk Region, Logoisk District

The very exhibit behind which the Presidential inauguration takes place                 Mikhail Frolov

Stand at the state podium  

Visiting the Museum of Contemporary Belarusian Statehood is worthwhile, if only because it is located within the functioning Administration of the President of Belarus. Incidentally, this is also why a passport is required for entry.  
The exposition showcases virtually all the achievements of the country during its period of independence — from Olympic medals won by athletes and spacesuits worn by cosmonauts to models of the latest BELARUS tractors and BELAZ dump trucks. Here, you will find everything from grains of high-yield wheat to potash fertilisers, and even emeralds cultivated at Belarus’ National Academy of Sciences.  
A unique exhibit is the podium used at the President’s inauguration ceremony. It exists as a single specimen yet is not kept behind glass. Photographs with it are permitted. Usually, after this statement, a queue forms of visitors eager to momentarily imagine themselves in the presidential position.  
Location: Minsk, 38 Karl Marx Street, entrance No. 4  

Establish a dialogue of cultures  

Strolling through Grodno, one can fully appreciate how multi-confessional Belarus is: Orthodox churches sit alongside Catholic cathedrals, and a Protestant church is just a stone’s throw from a synagogue. It is no surprise that the Museum of the History of Religion emerged specifically in the city by the Neman River. Interestingly, it was established in 1977 as a museum of… atheism. The museum is housed in a genuine palace from the first half of the 18th century, which belonged to the Khreptovich family.  
The exposition is truly rich — the oldest exhibits recount tales of paganism. It is filled with rare Orthodox icons and wooden sculptures from the Catholic tradition. There are dedicated halls for Judaism and Islam in Belarus. The cult objects are complemented by personal items that belonged to Grodno families, ranging from baptismal outfits for babies to postcards from the early 20th century depicting Russian monasteries.  
Atheism also has its place — Soviet posters and thematic literature are now merely rarities behind glass.  
Location: Grodno, 16 Zamkovaya Street 

Both vase and painting by Aivazovsky could have been smuggled abroad. Yet they are saved, and now everyone can see them.

Admire rescued treasures  

Russian enamel miniatures from Rostov, Riga crystal in silver settings, Caucasian daggers — all of these could adorn the finest homes in Europe… But Belarusian customs officers know their job well! The collection of the Saved Artistic Treasures museum in Brest consists entirely of items that smugglers attempted to illegally export abroad. For instance, there are jewellery works by Fabergé, Ovchinnikov, and Khlebnikov. Aground Ship by Aivazovsky and graphics by Vrubel are also on display. However, the largest exhibition is dedicated to Russian icon painting. The range of images and themes here is truly astounding — from the classic Mother of God to the rare Pentecostarion.  
There are even extremely rare Buddhist icons on display — thangkas and small sculptures made of bronze and ivory. Come and admire!  
Location: Brest, 39 Lenin Street  

Sentinel is placed forever                 belta

Hide away in a surviving fort  

In the early 20th century, German soldiers invaded Belarusian territory twice with weapons in hand. While we know a great deal about the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, interest in the First World War has started to grow recently. You can immerse yourself in the spirit of the Russian Imperial Army and learn about their daily life and service at the Fort No. 5 museum. Strictly speaking, this site is part of the Brest Fortress fortifications, but it is located a few kilometres south of the memorial complex.  
The site preservation is astonishing! A few years ago, with funding from the Union State, living casemates, a secretariat, an armoury, and a washroom were recreated in the fort. Restorers discovered the coat of arms of the Russian Empire beneath a layer of paint — now it is also a museum exhibit.  
Additionally, every year, a large-scale military-historical reconstruction of events from the First World War takes place at the fort. It is more gripping than any film! By the way, in 2020, the fort was the filming location for the subsequently acclaimed series Swamps.  
Location: Brest, 99 Starodorozhnaya Street