Children’s Museum of Mythology and Forest in Zaslavl

Where the Magic Begins

Opened in September 2005, the museum is housed in the building of the Zaslavl Forestry Office and has become an important part of the region’s cultural life. It is equally engaging for children and adults, offering a look not only at mythical creatures but also at the real world of nature that gave rise to those myths.

The exhibition starts with a gallery of mythical images, created in the traditional paper-cutting technique known as vytinanka. The artist behind these works is Elizabeth Chervontseva. Each image is a unique visual story of characters our ancestors revered, feared, and respected.

This gallery serves as a symbolic gateway to the mythical forest. As visitors move from one image to another, they are gently guided into a different world – a world where reality and imagination are so tightly woven together, they become indistinguishable.

A Mythical Forest of Paths, Sounds, and Spirits

The main part of the museum is divided into two symbolic halves by a winding path. On one side lies a mysterious forest inhabited by legendary beings. Here, visitors will encounter:

• lesovik, the forest spirit and guardian, hiding in the tree shadows;
   
• bolatnik, lurking from the swamp;
   
• rusalki, water nymphs perched on tree branches;
   
• The Snake King, dozing on a large stone;
   
• volkolak, a werewolf able to transform between human and wolf;
   
• domovoi, the kind house spirit who welcomes guests by the stove in the forester’s hut.

All of this is accompanied by ambient forest sounds – rustling leaves, bird calls, and the gentle murmur of a stream – making the museum experience especially atmospheric. Children feel like they’ve stepped into a magical fairy tale, and adults rediscover what it’s like to believe in wonders.

Next to Them – Real Forest Inhabitants

On the other side of the path is the real forest. Here, visitors can observe birds and animals typical of Belarusian nature. The exhibition gently suggests that fantasy and reality are not so far apart – the myths of our ancestors were born from their keen observations of nature and its rhythms.

This approach helps children not only understand folk tales better but also grasp basic ecological concepts, such as the role of each creature in the forest ecosystem. The museum inspires respect for nature and teaches how to see the magic within it.

Interaction and Learning Through Play

One of the museum’s great strengths is its interactive format. Visitors can enjoy:

• Theatrical tours and storytelling;
• Educational materials and games;
• Multimedia elements and immersive audio design.

Even the youngest guests aren’t just passive observers – they become active participants in a magical journey.

The museum staff skillfully balance entertainment with education. They explain who these mythical characters are, what they symbolized, and why they mattered to ancient people. Children not only memorize the images, but also begin to understand how folk culture was formed.

Why You Should Visit

• The only museum of its kind in Belarus;
• A blend of folklore, nature, and aesthetics;
• An atmosphere you’ll want to return to;
• An ideal destination for a family outing;
• Convenient location – Zaslavl is just outside Minsk.

The Children’s Museum of Mythology and Forest in Zaslavl is more than a museum. It is a journey into the soul of Belarus – into a world where the forest wasn’t just scenery, but a living entity with its own laws, secrets, and spirits. This is a rare cultural space that doesn’t remain behind glass – it truly comes alive.

Объекты рядом