Date :
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
In Polotsk, there is a museum that is impossible to confuse with any other in Belarus. It is located not in a classical building with columns and halls, but in a former water tower rising above the historic center of the city. The Natural and Ecological Museum is a rare example of how industrial architecture of the mid-20th century has gained a new, meaningful life and been transformed into a modern space for environmental education.
The museum opened in 2006 and became a branch of the National Polotsk Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve. The tower was built in 1953, and today its strict silhouette conceals an exciting vertical journey through the world of nature and ecology of Belarus. The height of the building is more than 32 meters, and the exhibition is arranged on four levels connected by a spiral staircase in the center of the structure.
Symbolism and Concept of the Museum
The central staircase here is not just an architectural element. It is conceived as a symbol of the “Tree of Life” – an ancient image that unites ideas about the connection between humans, nature, and the universe. Moving upward, the visitor seems to follow a path from earthly ecosystems to an understanding of human responsibility for the surrounding world. This idea makes the museum not only educational, but also a philosophical space.
Exhibitions: From Nature to Environmental Awareness
The first level of the exhibition is called “Belarus – Our Home.” It is dedicated to the natural wealth of the country: here are presented stuffed animals and birds typical of Belarusian forests, rivers, and wetlands. The exhibition helps to see how diverse and vulnerable the local fauna is and forms an emotional connection with nature.
The second level tells about the interaction between humans and the environment. Topics of pollution, everyday ecology, and the impact of industry and modern technologies are presented in an accessible and visual way. The exhibition makes visitors reflect on the fact that environmental problems begin not somewhere far away, but in the daily life of each of us.
The third level is dedicated to protected natural areas of Belarus. Here one can learn about national parks, nature reserves, and rare species of animals and birds listed in the Red Book. This section is especially interesting for those who plan to travel around the country and want to better understand the value of Belarusian natural landscapes.
The fourth level is a multifunctional space for temporary exhibitions, lectures, and meetings. An observation deck is also located here, offering a panoramic view of Polotsk. The view of the ancient city from the height of the water tower becomes a pleasant conclusion to the museum route.
A Lively and Intimate Space
A special atmosphere is created by the museum’s cozy inner courtyard with elements of landscape design and a small pond. It is a place for a calm pause and relaxation after an intense exploration of the exhibitions. The museum is perceived not as a formal institution, but as a living space where both adults and children feel comfortable.
Why You Should Include the Museum in Your Polotsk Itinerary
The Natural and Ecological Museum in the water tower is among the best ecological museums in Belarus and at the same time remains one of the most unusual. It successfully combines an educational function, original architecture, and strong visual presentation. This place is suitable for those traveling with family, interested in nature and the history of the city, or simply looking for unconventional impressions.
The museum is located at: Polotsk, 21 Francysk Skaryna Street. A visit can easily be combined with a walk through the historic center, a visit to St. Sophia Cathedral, and other landmarks of the oldest city in Belarus. The Natural and Ecological Museum is a point where acquaintance with Polotsk acquires a new, conscious dimension.