The Vitebsk Art Museum was founded in 1918, during a period of cultural flourishing in the city. Its creation was initiated by local artists who sought to preserve and promote the artistic heritage of the region. The establishment of the museum is closely linked to the activities of the Vitebsk People`s Art School, where renowned masters such as Marc Chagall, Kazimir Malevich, and El Lissitzky taught.
Initially, the museum was housed in the building of the former governor`s palace, but later it moved to a specially constructed building that became an architectural landmark of the city. Today, the museum occupies a historic building in the center of Vitebsk, which is itself an architectural monument. The building of the Vitebsk Art Museum is an example of classical architecture with elements of modernism. It features clean lines, elegant facades, and large windows.
The Vitebsk Art Museum boasts a rich collection of over 11,000 exhibits. The main exhibitions cover various periods and directions of art:
1. Collection of Belarusian Art: This section showcases works by Belarusian artists from the 18th century to the present day. Special attention is given to the works of masters associated with Vitebsk, such as Yehuda Pen, Marc Chagall, and Kazimir Malevich. The exhibition includes paintings, graphics, sculptures, and decorative-applied art.
2. Russian Art of the 18th–20th Centuries: The museum houses works by famous Russian artists, including Ivan Aivazovsky, Ilya Repin, Vasily Polenov, and others. These pieces allow visitors to trace the development of Russian painting.
3. European Art: The collection features works by Western European masters, including Dutch, Italian, and French artists. Here, you can see works in the styles of Baroque, Rococo, and Classicism.
4. 20th-Century Art: This exhibition is dedicated to avant-garde and contemporary art. A special place is given to the works of artists from the Vitebsk People`s Art School, who made a significant contribution to the development of world art.
5. Decorative and Applied Art: The museum displays beautiful examples of ceramics, glass, textiles, and furniture created by Belarusian and European masters.
The Vitebsk Art Museum is located in the city center at 32 Lenina Street. It is a convenient place to visit, as it is close to other attractions such as Town Hall Square, the Assumption Cathedral, and the embankment of the Western Dvina River.
