The Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War (WWII Museum) in Minsk is a unique cultural and historical site that is the first museum in the world dedicated to the events of the Great Patriotic War. It was founded during the years of fascist occupation on September 30, 1943, and opened its doors to visitors on October 22, 1944. Since then, the museum has become not only a keeper of the memory of the tragic events of the war but also an important educational center where one can learn about the feats and sacrifices of the Belarusian people.
The museum is now located in a modern building that opened on July 2, 2014, designed by architect Viktor Kramarenko. This majestic structure, shaped like a semicircle and complemented by the obelisk “Minsk - Hero City,” symbolizes the heroism and resilience of Belarusians. The main facade of the building is designed to resemble rays of salute, representing ten significant events of the war, from the defense of the Brest Fortress to the raising of the Victory Banner over the Reichstag. The total area of the museum is over 15,000 square meters, with an exhibition area of 4,000 square meters.
The museum has an impressive collection of more than 154,000 museum items, including 8,000 exhibits that are available for visitors. These artifacts have been collected not only from Belarus but also donated from various countries, highlighting the museum's international significance. The collections are divided into 28 thematic directions, reflecting key aspects of the war and its aftermath.
The museum's exhibition is built on a chronological principle and covers three main time periods:
- Pre-war period: Here, visitors can familiarize themselves with the history leading up to the war and understand the causes that led to the conflict, as well as the role of the USSR in the struggle for peace.
- War period: This section tells about key military events, such as the Nazi occupation regime in Belarus and the feats of the Belarusian people in fighting against the invaders. Unique materials, including photographs, documents, and personal belongings of soldiers, allow for a deeper understanding of the scale and tragedy of the war.
- Post-war period: This section shows the process of restoring Belarus after the war, as well as the participation of Belarusians in post-war conflicts. This part of the exhibition emphasizes that the restoration of the country became a continuation of the military feat, demonstrating the labor resilience of the people.