The idea of building a metro in Minsk was discussed as far back as the 1960s, but it only materialized in 1977 when the first construction works began. Just seven years later, on June 29, 1984, trains started running along the first line. This date is considered the birthday of the Belarusian metro.
In the museum, you can see photographs capturing key moments: shaft drilling, station construction, the launch of the first test train in March 1984, the grand opening, and the first passengers. The exhibition allows visitors to trace the path from idea to realization and to learn about the people who made the metro a part of city life.
The main “star” of the museum is a real driver’s cab, donated by the Moscow Metro. It’s installed so that anyone can sit in the seat, grab the control panel, and feel like an underground train driver.
Equally fascinating is a section of railway track with a flaw detection trolley – a special device for checking rails. Nearby are central and station control panels, coin-changing machines, a collection of tokens and travel passes, uniforms of metro staff from different years, communication equipment, and counting machines.
A separate section is dedicated to symbolic station keys, postage stamps, and souvenirs presented to the museum by guests. There are also books of complaints and suggestions, which tell the story of passengers’ everyday concerns through the years.
For those who want to immerse themselves deeper, the museum shows films about the history of the metro and animated clips on safe behavior rules in the subway. The photo section lets visitors see how station and train designs have changed over time and recall important events – from the opening of new lines to anniversary celebrations.
The museum operates on a voluntary basis and is completely free of charge. Tours are held only for organized groups of 5 to 20 people by prior arrangement. Each tour lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes. During this time, you can not only explore the exhibits but also take atmospheric photos, sit in the driver’s seat, and hear captivating stories from the guide.
Booking is available on weekdays via the phone numbers listed on the official Minsk Metro website.
The Minsk Metro Museum is a rare opportunity to peek “behind the scenes” of the capital’s main transport hub, see equipment and documents usually hidden from passengers, and understand the work that goes into every single ride on the subway.
It’s an engaging place for schoolchildren and students, transport enthusiasts, tourists, and anyone who has ever used the metro. And it’s also a great reason to combine a city walk with a visit to “Mogilevskaya” to see for yourself how Minsk’s history goes underground and comes alive in the museum’s halls.