The National Art Museum of Minsk is one of the main cultural landmarks of Belarus. It is advisable to allocate 2-3 hours for visit, as the collections are housed in two buildings. Here, you can see masterpieces of painting, sculpture, and decorative-applied art from Belarus, Russia, and other countries.
Founded in 1939, the National Art Museum of Minsk is the largest repository of artistic treasures in the country. Its collection includes over 30,000 exhibits, spanning from antiquity to modern times. Visitors can explore Belarusian and Russian culture in depth, as well as view works by Western art masters.
Sections of the Minsk Art Museum`s Exposition:
Belarusian art of the 12th–19th centuries - This section is dedicated to the origins of Belarusian art. It features icons, wooden sculptures, handwritten books, and decorative-applied art. Special attention should be paid to the icons created in the traditions of Eastern Slavic culture. The section also includes works by Belarusian artists of the 18th–19th centuries, reflecting the influence of European styles such as Baroque and Classicism on local art.
Belarusian art of the 20th–21st centuries - This section showcases the evolution of Belarusian art during recent historical events. It features works by artists who created during the eras of revolutions, wars, and the formation of modern Belarus. You will find paintings in the style of Socialist Realism, avant-garde experiments, and works by contemporary artists exploring current themes. Particularly noteworthy are the works of Marc Chagall, a native of Belarus, whose art bridges national and global culture.
Russian art of the 18th–20th centuries - This section presents works by renowned Russian artists such as Ivan Aivazovsky, Ilya Repin, Vasily Surikov, Ivan Shishkin and others. The exhibition covers various periods, from Classicism and Romanticism to Realism and Art Nouveau. This section allows visitors to trace the development of Russian art and its influence on the cultures of neighboring countries.
European Art of the 16th–20th centuries - This collection features works by masters from Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and other countries. Visitors can see works in the styles of Baroque, Rococo, Classicism, and Romanticism. Special attention should be given to the paintings by Dutch and Flemish artists.
Eastern art - The Eastern art collection includes works from China, Japan, India, and other Asian countries. Here, you will find porcelain, traditional prints, sculptures, and decorative-applied art objects.
Decorative-applied art - This section is dedicated to the craftsmanship of artisans and artists who created household items and decorations. It features works made of glass, ceramics, metal, and textiles. Traditional Belarusian embroidery and ceramics, reflecting national heritage, are particularly interesting. The section also includes works by contemporary designers who continue the traditions of folk art.
Contemporary art - For those interested in current trends in art, this section is of great interest. It features works by Belarusian and international artists experimenting with forms, materials, and ideas. Installations, video art, and digital art can all be found here. The exhibition is constantly updated, making it especially appealing for repeat visits.
