National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus is the largest cultural institution in the country, located in the center of Minsk at 12 Karl Marx Street. Since its founding, the museum has become a true treasure trove of Belarusian history and culture, preserving and showcasing valuable exhibits that cover the centuries-long history of Belarusian lands.
The museum complex includes two buildings, each of which is listed as a historical and cultural heritage site of the Republic of Belarus. The main building was constructed in the early 20th century and was originally intended for the branch of the State Bank of the Russian Empire. Later, it served various administrative functions until 1967, when it became home to the museum collections. In 2009, another building was added to the museum, allowing it to expand its exhibition and storage capabilities.
Today, the museum's collection comprises more than 400,000 items, and the number of exhibits continues to grow. Among them are archaeological finds, historical documents, household items, weapons, numismatic collections, paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts reflecting the development of Belarusian culture, science, and art over many centuries. The museum's collection continues to grow thanks to expeditions and private collectors, making it a cultural center not only for Belarusian but also for international researchers.
The exhibitions of the National Historical Museum of Belarus follow a strict chronological order, allowing visitors to trace the development of Belarusian civilization from ancient times to the present day. In the exhibition halls, you can see ancient household items used by the first settlers in modern-day Belarus, unique finds from the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, armaments of the nobility of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, as well as exhibits related to the Soviet period and the era of independent Belarus.
One of the largest and most valuable departments of the museum is the numismatic collection. It includes coins minted in Belarus and neighboring countries in various historical epochs, starting from the time of Catherine II and Alexander I. Visitors are particularly attracted by rare coins and banknotes that reflect not only the economic but also the political development of the region.
The museum also features a significant collection of weapons and uniforms, including unique examples of firearms used by the nobility of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, as well as samples of artillery. Additionally, the museum possesses an extensive collection of archival documents and maps, including cartographic materials from the Radziwiłł family, dating back to the 17th century.
The museum actively uses modern technologies to attract visitors and improve the quality of its exhibitions. Multimedia screens are installed in the exhibition halls, and virtual reality projects are available, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in historical events and objects interactively. A harmonious blend of tradition and the latest achievements draws both older and younger generations.
Every year, the museum hosts various exhibitions dedicated to Belarusian and world history. One of the key features of the museum is its cooperation with foreign cultural institutions. The National Historical Museum regularly hosts international festivals and creative evenings, featuring leading Belarusian and foreign artists, photographers, and members of the scientific community. This makes the museum an important cultural center not only for Minsk but also for all of Belarus.
The museum is open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM without breaks or days off. Special opening hours on holidays and during school vacations are announced in advance on the museum's official resources.
National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus is not only the largest museum in the country in terms of the number of exhibits, but also an important scientific and cultural center. Its activities are aimed at preserving and promoting Belarusian cultural heritage, as well as developing international cooperation in the fields of culture and science.
