If you want to dive into the history of Belarus and learn how people lived on this land thousands of years ago, the Archaeological Museum in Minsk will be an interesting place for you. It is located in the Upper Town on the site of the former Bernardine Monastery. In 2007, excavations were carried out here, revealing the arched foundations of 18th-century buildings. These remains were subsequently preserved, and an archaeological museum was established around them.
The Archaeological Museum in Minsk was founded in the 1970s, but its collection began to take shape much earlier. The core of the exhibition consists of artifacts discovered during numerous archaeological expeditions across Belarus. The museum is part of the Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, making it not only a cultural but also a scientific center.
The exhibition of the Archaeological Museum in Minsk is divided into several thematic zones, each dedicated to a specific historical period:
- Stone Age: Here, you will see tools made by ancient people from stone, bone, and wood. Flint arrowheads, scrapers, and hand axes, used for hunting and processing hides, are particularly noteworthy.
- Bronze and Iron Ages: This section displays jewelry, weapons, and household items created over 3,000 years ago. You will learn how metallurgy developed and which tribes inhabited the territory of modern Belarus.
- Medieval Era: This period is represented by finds from ancient settlements and burial mounds. Among the exhibits are ceramics, coins, weapons, and jewelry that tell the story of the lives of Slavs, Balts, and Vikings. Reconstructions of medieval dwellings and workshops are of particular interest.
- Treasures from Excavations: A separate hall showcases fascinating artifacts such as coin hoards, precious jewelry, and cult objects. These finds testify to the cultural diversity of ancient settlements.
The museum strives to make history accessible and engaging for all ages. Here, you will find interactive zones where you can try your hand at being an archaeologist. For children, workshops and quests are organized to help them better understand how our ancestors lived.
In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions dedicated to specific aspects of archaeology. These may include thematic displays on ancient crafts, military affairs, or the culture of a particular region. Nearby the main exhibition are the Carriage Museum and the Museum of Minsk Horse-Drawn Tram. After your visit, take a stroll through the nearby Upper Town to continue exploring the historic heart of Minsk.
