The National Library

The National Library sparks debate amongst Belarusians in the same way that Marmite divides the British – they either love it or they hate it. Opened in 2006, it moved from an out-dated site in the city centre and was partly funded by public subscription. All visitors arriving in Minsk from the airport will see it dominating the skyline as you head towards the city centre. It’s located by Vostok (Восток) metro station, which is on the blue line.

Depending on who you listen to the National Library is either a symbol of a new and confident Belarus or a grotesque building that resembles the Death Star from the Star Wars movies. Supporters will tell how beautiful it looks lit up at night, sometimes with flashing lights and slogans. Detractors will tell you that it was built too quickly and is liable to fall down at any moment.

Outside the library, that currently houses eight million books, is a statue of Franysk Skaryna. He translated the bible into old Belarusian and his books, printed between 1517-1519, were the first published translations in an East Slavic language. Following independence, Minsk’s main thoroughfare was named in his honour before the name changed to the present Prospekt Nezavisimosti. You will still hear locals refer to the road simply as ‘Skorini’.

Guided tours of the library’s facilities are organised daily at 12:00, 15:00 and 18:00 except Sunday and Monday. The tours are in Russian and cost 5,780br.

Opposite the National Library there are some tower blocks decorated with murals celebrating Soviet achievements, while the area around the building has been landscaped and turned into a park.

By the entrances to the metro station you’ll find Pizzafut, a football themed pizza café that shows live matches, and Coffee City, which specialises in coffee, tea, cocktails and light snacks.

Parks       Museums       Churches       Monuments & Statues       Old Town       National Library