Yanka Kupala Park

Yanka Kupala Park is one of the iconic green spaces in the capital of Belarus. Located on the picturesque banks of the Svislach River in the heart of Minsk, this park is a true oasis of tranquility and nature amid the bustling city. It is popular both among locals and tourists traveling around Belarus.

History

Before the park was established, this area was occupied by scattered two- and three-story houses that were regularly flooded by the Svislach River every spring. Only in 1949 did the first efforts to create a park begin, and the full development was completed in 1962. That same year, the new park was named after the outstanding poet Yanka Kupala. Already in the 1950s, rare tree species for that time were planted here: blue maples, Manchurian walnuts, balsam and Siberian firs, which still give the park its unique appearance.

Architecture and Monuments

Initially, the central alley was adorned with a monument to Hero of the Soviet Union S.I. Gritsevich. In 1972, for the 90th anniversary of Yanka Kupala's birth, it was replaced by a monument to the poet himself. The memorial was created by prominent artists of the time: sculptors Lev Gumilevsky and Lev Levin, and architects Arkady Anikeychik, Anatoly Zaspitsky, and Yuri Gradov. At the same time, the park's fountain was renovated and given the symbolic name “Wreath,” a reference to the traditional Kupala Night celebration.

Yanka Kupala Museum

Not far from the park is the Yanka Kupala Museum, which opened in 1959 on the site of the house where the poet lived from 1927 to 1941. The original building was destroyed at the beginning of World War II, but its memory has been carefully preserved in the museum, which now holds more than 36,000 items: lifetime editions of Kupala’s works, manuscripts, autographs, photographs, and personal belongings connected to the life and legacy of this beloved Belarusian poet.

Excursions

Yanka Kupala Park is included in many guided tours around Minsk due to its cultural and natural significance. You can also visit it as part of an individual tour of Minsk, which we will gladly organize for you upon request. This personalized format allows you to enjoy the park’s peaceful atmosphere at your own pace, stop by the monument to Yanka Kupala, explore the museum, and stroll along the Svislach River without the rush of large groups.
If you are looking for an inspiring and soulful place, a tour to Yanka Kupala Park in Minsk will give you unforgettable impressions.