The exhibition "Minsk. Upper City. Archaeological Museum" is housed in a building constructed over archaeological excavations conducted in 2007-2008. This museum offers a fascinating window into the history of Minsk, revealing the city's rich heritage through discovered artifacts.
The focus is on over one and a half thousand original items that illustrate the life of the city over various eras. The main exhibits were discovered during archaeological investigations conducted in monasteries and commercial areas of the Upper City, as well as on the streets of Zybitskaya, Cyril and Methodius, Nemiga, and other significant sites of the historical center of Minsk. Most of the items were found as a result of "rescue" excavations conducted between 1980 and 2010 by talented archaeologists.
Visitors begin their journey with the diorama "Ancient Flora and Fauna of the Minsk Area," showcasing the landscape features and remains of ancient animals. This diorama is based on the findings of a mammoth herd discovered in Minsk in 2008.
Next, the museum offers a unique opportunity to study the cultural layers of the city through specially recreated archaeological digs that reflect the life of Minsk residents from the 11th to the 19th century. The exhibition features numerous artifacts, including bone combs, iron arrowheads, keys and locks, as well as jewelry and leather footwear, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of Minsk's inhabitants.
Reconstructions of trading rows and workshops, such as shoemaking and pottery shops, allow visitors to feel the atmosphere of the historical Upper City, where crafts and trade flourished from the 14th to the 19th centuries. The architectural features of this area are demonstrated through maps, plans, and models of significant buildings, as well as original building materials, including bricks and decorative ceramics.
Modern multimedia technologies make visiting the museum both exciting and educational. Interactive modules, such as the "Well of Time" and "Chronicle of Minsk," as well as the game "Treasure Chest," engage both children and adults, allowing them to actively participate in the learning process.
The museum, located on the site of the former Bernardine Monastery, has become not only a keeper of history but also an important part of Minsk's cultural life. Its exhibition offers a unique opportunity to glimpse the city's rich heritage and understand how it has developed over the centuries, transforming into a modern metropolis.