Monument to Francysk Skaryna near the National Library of Belarus in Minsk is one of the most important cultural landmarks of the capital, attracting attention from both tourists and locals. This majestic six-meter bronze statue, weighing over five tons, was created by the Belarusian sculptor Alexander Dranets. The process of creating and installing the monument spanned several decades, starting with Dranets’ victory in the competition in 1991 and culminating in the official unveiling in May 2006.
The history of the monument began in 1989 when a competition was announced to create a monument in honor of Francysk Skaryna — one of the most outstanding figures in Belarusian culture and the first East Slavic printer. Initially, it was planned to install the monument in front of the main building of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, but for various reasons, this decision was revised. When the construction of the National Library of Belarus was completed, a final decision was made to place the monument at its main entrance, a symbolic choice highlighting Skaryna's contribution to the development of printing and enlightenment.
The monument to Francysk Skaryna is a bronze figure holding a book in one hand and blessing the art of printing with the other. This symbolic depiction conveys the role Skaryna played in history as the founder of Belarusian and East Slavic printing. Three bronze reliefs were added to the sculpture, installed on a granite pedestal on three sides. These reliefs depict the cities closely connected with Skaryna's life and work: Polotsk, where he was born; Prague, where his publishing activities began; and Padua, where he received his education.
The official unveiling of the monument took place in May 2006, although the sculpture itself was installed in August 2005. The delay in the opening was due to the need to complete the reliefs, which depict key moments in Skaryna’s life and career. The fourth side of the pedestal is adorned with a bronze plaque bearing the inscription "Francysk Skaryna," emphasizing his importance in Belarusian history and culture.
Monument to Francysk Skaryna near the National Library of Belarus is not the only monument to the great educator in Minsk. Another monument was installed in the courtyard of Belarusian State University in 1999. Additionally, Skaryna monuments can be found in other Belarusian cities, such as Polotsk and Lida, as well as outside Belarus — in Prague and Vilnius. This underscores Francysk Skaryna’s significant contribution not only to Belarusian but also to European culture.
The monument at the National Library is not just a sculpture; it is a symbolic link between the past and the present, between historical heritage and modernity. Today, it attracts many tourists and visitors to the capital who want to learn more about the life and achievements of one of Belarus's most famous sons.
Francysk Skaryna, born in 1490 in Polotsk, made an invaluable contribution to the development of Belarusian and East Slavic culture. He received an excellent education, completing it in Padua, where he earned a doctorate in medicine. However, he gained the most fame as a printer, founding a printing house in Prague in 1517, where he published his first book, "Psalter." This publication was a significant milestone in the history of East Slavic printing, as it was printed in Cyrillic and in the vernacular, which was rare at the time.
Later, Francysk Skaryna moved to Vilnius, where he continued his publishing activities and opened the first printing house in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Despite numerous difficulties and persecutions, his works had a tremendous influence on the development of enlightenment and humanism in Eastern Europe.
Today, his legacy lives on in monuments, books, and streets named in his honor, and his work continues to inspire new generations. The Monument at the National Library of Belarus is a tribute and expression of gratitude to the great printer and educator, whose name will forever remain in the history of Belarus and East Slavic culture.
