Palace of Culture of Trade Unions
Palace of Culture of Trade Unions (Belarusian: Палац культуры прафсаюзаў) in Minsk is a significant cultural center that has served as a venue for various events for decades. Officially opened on July 3, 1956, this cultural house is located in the heart of the Belarusian capital, at Independence Avenue, 25, near October Square and the Oktyabrskaya metro station. The building was designed by architect Vladimir Alexandrovich Ershov. The project was realized in 1954, and since then, the Palace has become a landmark of the city, attracting the attention of both residents and guests of the capital.
The Palace building is designed in a style reminiscent of ancient Greek temples, which is especially noticeable in its monumentality and majestic Ionic columns. The architectural design of the building expresses the harmony of art, science, and labor, as reflected in the sculptural composition adorning the facade. On the front of the building, there are figures symbolizing representatives of different spheres of life: a girl with a violin, a worker, a peasant, an athlete, a student with a globe, and a scientist-engineer. These figures were created by Belarusian sculptors Alexey Glebov, Viktor Popov, and Sergey Selikhanov. According to historians and art critics, all the sculptures had real-life prototypes, which gives them additional symbolic significance. For example, the prototype of the peasant woman was the famous Belarusian opera singer Larisa Alexandrovskaya.
The Palace of Culture of Trade Unions is not just a building with a rich history, but also a modern cultural center that hosts more than 30 creative groups, clubs, and studios. About 700 various events are held here annually, including concerts, theatrical performances, competitions, and festivals. Dance classes hold a special place, as the Palace has a specialized dance hall equipped with mirrored walls and barres. This hall was opened in 2005 and quickly became popular among the city's dance groups.
The interior of the Palace is no less impressive than its exterior. On the ground floor, there is a spacious columned hall, which amazes with its luxurious stucco and architectural details. Special attention is given to the arched vaults and numerous columns, giving the hall a monumental appearance. This hall often hosts ceremonial events and receptions. There is also a theater hall that can accommodate up to 850 spectators. The theater stage was modeled after the stage of the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, allowing for performances of the highest level.
The Palace is also an important place for education and historical memory preservation. It houses the Museum of the History of the Belarusian Trade Union Movement, which contains more than 1,700 unique exhibits. This museum acquaints visitors with the history of the trade union movement in the country, its development, and key events related to the protection of workers' rights. The museum features archival documents, photographs, household items, and tools, making it an important center for the preservation of cultural heritage.
In addition to cultural and educational activities, the Palace of Culture of Trade Unions attracts attention with its location. The building stands right on October Square, next to the Palace of the Republic and other iconic landmarks of the capital. This area of Minsk is known for its rich historical past. In the 19th century, the site of the modern Palace of Culture was occupied by the wooden Church of St. George. Later, the "Borsch House" was built here — a building that housed a printing office and the control office of the Libava-Romensk Railway. Even at that time, this area was popular among city dwellers thanks to its many entertainment venues.
However, by the mid-20th century, the old building had fallen into disrepair, and after the end of World War II, a decision was made to construct a new Palace of Culture of Trade Unions. Architect Vladimir Ershov invested not only his knowledge and experience into the project but also the desire to create something more than just a building. Today, the Palace of Culture of Trade Unions is a true architectural gem of Minsk. Its monumentality and elegance both impress and inspire admiration. Especially notable are the sculptures adorning the facade, which, despite restorations, retain their historical significance and aesthetic value.
An interesting fact is that the Palace of Culture of Trade Unions has been recreated in architectural miniature at the "Country in Miniature" museum. Now, residents and visitors of the city have the opportunity to see the building on a smaller scale and admire its day and night lighting.
Thus, the Palace of Culture of Trade Unions is not only an important cultural and historical landmark of Minsk but also a symbol of the unity of labor, creativity, and science. Its majestic architecture, rich cultural heritage, and active involvement make it one of the main attractions of the Belarusian capital.
