Contact us:
Address:
- Minsk, Surganova Street 1/1
This is a place where history comes alive, where every work of art or household item tells a story of the life, faith, and traditions of Belarusians from centuries past.
History and Mission of the Museum
The Museum of Ancient Belarusian Culture was founded in 1977 as part of the Institute of Art Studies, Ethnography, and Folklore of the Academy of Sciences. The idea behind its creation was not only to preserve artifacts but also to study them scientifically and promote traditional Belarusian culture.
Since its founding, the museum has actively developed its collections, conducted expeditions across Belarus, and collaborated with restorers, historians, and artists. Here, antiquity is not only displayed – it is studied, cataloged, and brought back to life.
Richness of the Collections
The museum’s collection includes more than 30,000 items. These are organized into 14 permanent collections covering different periods and disciplines. Among them:
- Icon painting and church art – the pride of the museum. It houses masterpieces of Belarusian iconography from the 14th to the 19th centuries, including rare depictions of the Virgin Hodegetria, archangels, and saints.
- Wooden sculpture and carving – from altar decorations to folk crosses.
- Manuscripts and early printed books – including rare editions in Cyrillic print, engravings, and miniatures.
- Folk costumes and textiles – weaving samples, ritual towels (rushniks), sashes, and festive outfits from various regions.
- Ceramics, utensils, and household items – from clay jugs to wooden spoons and chests.
Each collection not only illustrates the past but also helps visitors understand the everyday life, religious beliefs, and aesthetic tastes of Belarusians across the ages.
Educational and Scientific Role
The museum is closely integrated with academic research. Its scholars publish catalogs, hold conferences, and participate in exhibitions both in Belarus and abroad. The museum also engages in the restoration and preservation of unique items. Many artifacts entered the collection through field expeditions and rescue archaeological excavations.
Excursions, lectures, and workshops are regularly held for students, schoolchildren, and anyone interested in Belarusian culture. The museum allows visitors to experience history not as a set of dates, but as a vivid, tangible, and emotional fabric.
Practical Information
The museum is located at: Minsk, Surganova St. 1, Bldg. 2 (National Academy of Sciences). It is open to visitors Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free, but for organized groups and tours, advance booking is recommended.
Why You Should Visit
If you are interested in history, art, or simply wish to discover something new about Belarus, the Museum of Ancient Belarusian Culture will be a true revelation. It is not just an exhibition, but an entire cultural layer gathered under one roof. There is no hustle and bustle here – only silence filled with the spirit of centuries.
Here you can see authentic traces of the spiritual life of the people: prayer icons, embroidered towels, birch bark manuscripts, craft tools – and for a moment, imagine yourself in a peasant’s hut, a wooden church, or an ancient artisan’s workshop.
The Museum of Ancient Belarusian Culture is a chance to connect with your roots, feel a sense of continuity, and take pride in the cultural heritage of the country.