Palace of Arts in Minsk, a three-story building belonging to the Belarusian Union of Artists, holds an important place in the cultural life of the capital and is one of the largest exhibition centers in Belarus. Built in the style of Soviet modernism, it harmoniously combines architectural traditions with modern cultural demands. The Palace was opened in 1973, designed by architects S. Musinsky and N. Kravkova, and has since regularly hosted exhibitions, fairs, and festivals.
The building stands out with its unique architecture. The rectangular facade with an asymmetric entrance is adorned with a prominent canopy, and its upper part is lined with reinforced concrete ribs and ribbon glazing. The lower section is clad in lilac ceramic tiles, giving the building a distinctive and memorable look that has become a symbol of public architecture in Minsk from the early 1970s.
Inside, the Palace of Arts has three large halls with a total area ranging from 500 to 1450 square meters, allowing for large-scale exhibitions and creative events. It houses six galleries, each dedicated to a specific art form. The halls of painting, graphics, decorative-applied art, “Art-Belarus,” art hall, and Hall No. 2 provide ample space for art pieces of various formats and directions. The 120 m² art hall is also used for festivals and concerts, making the Palace of Arts a multifunctional art space.
A vital role in the cultural life of Minsk is also played by the “Art-Belarus” gallery, which opened at the Palace of Arts in spring 2017. The gallery features over 50 art pieces from the corporate collection of Belgazprombank, including works by world-famous artists with Belarusian roots: Marc Chagall, Chaim Soutine, Léon Bakst, and Ossip Zadkine. The gallery exemplifies successful collaboration between commercial and cultural organizations, significantly contributing to the popularization of Belarusian art.
In addition to permanent exhibitions, the Palace of Arts hosts important cultural events. One such event is BelarusFashionWeek – Belarusian Fashion Week, held since 2010. This event has become a platform for the self-expression of local designers and helps promote the Belarusian fashion industry. BelarusFashionWeek brings together emerging designers and experienced professionals from other countries, fostering the exchange of experience and inspiring new ideas.
The Palace of Arts building was built on the site of an old Catholic cemetery, with a few graves remaining near the Church of Saint Roch. This place is steeped in history and symbolizes a memory of the past. In the Palace’s courtyard, thematic events, festivals, and open-air concerts are regularly held, attracting many visitors.
The Palace of Arts fulfills cultural-educational and enlightening functions. It hosts both group and personal exhibitions of contemporary Belarusian and foreign artists, contributing to the country's cultural development. The institution’s mission is to popularize art and create conditions for the promotion of modern artistic practices.
The Palace of Arts is open to visitors throughout the week, providing access to a rich cultural heritage and art. Operating hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
The Minsk Palace of Arts remains a significant cultural venue that fosters the development of art in Belarus and provides a platform for artists, designers, and creative collectives to express themselves.
