The Natural-Ecological Museum in Polotsk is dedicated to environmental education and introduces visitors to the nature of Belarus. The museum`s unique atmosphere is enhanced by its location in a historic building—a water tower, which is an industrial monument of the 20th century.
The Natural-Ecological Museum was opened in 2006. Its creation was part of a large-scale program for environmental education and promoting a caring attitude towards the environment. The museum`s exhibition showcases the natural wealth of the region, environmental issues, and ways to address them.
The exhibition of the Natural-Ecological Museum in Polotsk is divided into several themes:
1. Nature of Belarus: This section of the museum features dioramas and exhibits demonstrating the diversity of Belarusian flora and fauna. Visitors can see animal taxidermy, plant specimens, and learn about rare and endangered species listed in the Red Book of Belarus.
2. Regional Ecosystems: The museum introduces the main ecosystems of the Polotsk region: forests, swamps, rivers, and lakes. Here, visitors can learn about their role in maintaining ecological balance.
3. Environmental Issues and Solutions: One of the museum`s key tasks is environmental education. This part of the exhibition presents materials on modern environmental problems, such as air, water, and soil pollution, climate change, as well as ways to address them.
4. Interactive Exhibits: For children and adults, the museum offers interactive zones where they can learn about natural phenomena, ecological processes, and ways to protect the environment in a playful manner.
The building housing the museum is particularly noteworthy—a historic water tower built in 1953. The tower, standing 32.7 meters tall, is one of the most recognizable architectural landmarks in Polotsk. Originally, it served a practical purpose—providing water to the city—but over time, it lost its original function. In 2006, the tower was reconstructed and transformed into a museum. Today, it is not only an exhibition space but also an observation deck.
