Museum of the History of World Religions to Open in Minsk

A Museum of the History of World Religions will appear in the center of Minsk in the coming months – a new cultural and educational project initiated by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko. The main goal of the museum is to familiarize young Belarusians and visitors to the capital with the history and roots of the world's confessions, their spiritual heritage, and interconnections.

Key Idea and Objectives of the Museum

• Educational Center. The exhibition will cover the origins and development of the major religions: Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, and other traditional beliefs.
• Promoting Intercultural Dialogue. Introducing the fundamentals of different confessions contributes to mutual respect and tolerance among young people.
• Preservation of Spiritual Heritage. The exhibitions will present ancient artifacts, manuscripts, icons, sacred texts, and multimedia installations illustrating key milestones in the spiritual development of humanity.

Why This Is Important for Belarus

1. Interconfessional Harmony. According to official data, over 85 % of Belarusians identify as Orthodox, about 10 % as Catholic, and a few percent belong to other faiths. Creating a unified space for studying all confessions will be an important step toward strengthening civic concord and spiritual unity.
2. Youth and Spirituality. In the age of digital technologies, the values of religious heritage sometimes take a back seat. The museum will help young people see “where the roots” of their spiritual traditions come from and inspire them to preserve Belarus’s cultural code.
3. Tourism Potential. Minsk, already possessing a well-developed infrastructure, will gain another attraction for domestic and visiting tourists. Museum tours can be combined with visits to the Zhirovichi Monastery and the Budslav Church – future “centers of attraction” for Orthodox and Catholic pilgrims, respectively.

Main Exhibits and Interactive Features

• “Cradle of Religions” – a multimedia zone where, through projections and audio reconstructions, visitors will see the evolution of sacred buildings from antiquity to the present day.
• “Sacred Texts” – a section with unique manuscripts and their digital copies, allowing visitors to zoom in and translate the texts on the spot.
• “Spiritual Practices” – an interactive exhibit where visitors can learn the basics of prayer rituals, listen to religious music, and see the process of icon creation.
• “Interreligious Dialogue Zone” – a space for round tables, lectures, and discussions with the participation of Orthodox, Catholic, Muslim, and Jewish clergy.

Associated Projects: “Centers of Attraction”

Parallel to the museum, this year the creation of “religious centers of attraction” for the main confessions is planned:

• Zhirovichi Monastery – already a recognized jewel of Belarusian Orthodoxy, it will become the main pilgrimage site for believers.
• Budslav Church – which houses the Budslav Icon of the Mother of God, it will welcome Catholics from across the region.
• Future Centers for Islam and Judaism – will be formed based on existing mosques and synagogues in the country’s major cities.

Implementation Timeline and Opening

According to the President, it is planned that the main construction and installation work will be completed by the end of this year. The official opening of the Museum of the History of World Religions may take place before May 9, 2026, when Victory Day is observed in Belarus, creating additional appeal for tourists and guests of the capital.

Conclusion

The Museum of the History of World Religions in Minsk will become not just an exhibition space, but a vibrant educational and cultural center. It will combine history, spirituality, art, and technology, in line with modern trends in the museum industry. For the younger generation, it will be an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their roots and to view the world through the prism of respect for religious diversity.