National Museum of Culture and History of Belarus, Minsk (must see)

The National Museum of Culture and History of Belarus stands as the country’s leading repository of its material and spiritual heritage. With a collection of around 500,000 artifacts, it preserves the tangible and intangible culture of the Belarusian people from ancient times to the present day. Visitors can explore an extraordinary range of items—from archaeological relics and medieval manuscripts to national costumes, religious icons, and fine art—each offering a glimpse into the evolution of Belarusian identity across the centuries.

The museum traces its origins to 1919, when the first state museum of Belarus, the Minsk Regional Museum, was established. Over the decades, it underwent several transformations and name changes, reflecting the country’s shifting historical context. Following independence, it became the National Museum of History and Culture of Belarus in 1992, and in 2009, it adopted its current title, the National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus. Its continuous development mirrors the nation’s commitment to preserving and interpreting its complex past.

The permanent exhibition introduces visitors to the story of Belarus from prehistoric settlements to the 20th century, while temporary displays showcase new research and traveling exhibitions that enrich the cultural life of Minsk. The museum’s “treasury” section contains some of its most prized items, such as a hoard of Roman coins from the 1st–2nd century CE, the 15th-century “Vytautas’ Belt,” and 17th-century Royal gates from Saint George’s Church.

With contributions from the National Academy of Sciences and an ever-growing collection—expanded by thousands of new acquisitions each year—the museum remains a dynamic institution dedicated to education, preservation, and discovery.