Palace of culture of railwaymen

The Palace of Culture of Railway Workers named after Lenin in Gomel is an outstanding monument of constructivist architecture and one of the most important cultural landmarks of the city. Built in the first half of the 20th century, it is still used for its original purpose, remaining a center of cultural and social life. The building attracts attention not only for its architectural features but also for its historical significance. Tourists who go on tours around Belarus often include the Palace in their itinerary, and a tour from Minsk with a visit to this site allows them to explore the era of Soviet architecture and the life of railway workers during that time.

History of Construction

The history of the Palace of Culture of Railway Workers is closely connected with the development of the railway industry in Belarus in the first half of the 20th century. In 1930, the construction of the building was completed based on the design of architect A. Kirillov. It was intended for the cultural activities of railway workers and their families. It became one of the first examples of constructivist architecture in the region and a symbol of a new approach to organizing social life.

During the Great Patriotic War, amid military actions and occupation, the Palace building was partially damaged. The facade and interiors suffered the most. In 1950, restoration work began under the direction of architect I. Pestryakov. During the reconstruction, the main structural elements were preserved; however, the decoration of the facades and the main entrance was altered towards a more classical style, partially in line with the Stalinist architectural aesthetics. The partial replanning of the interior allowed the building to meet the contemporary needs of the time while retaining its historical value. Since then, the Palace has undergone several restorations, continuing to serve as a center of cultural and social life.

Architecture of the Palace

The architectural concept of the Palace of Culture of Railway Workers is based on the principles of constructivism: rationality, functionality, and clarity of spatial composition. The building consists of three main sections, each distinguished by its functional purpose:

1. A theater and concert hall with auxiliary rooms intended for rehearsals, performance preparation, and technical staff operations.
2. A club section that houses rooms for hobby groups, lectures, and leisure activities.
3. A cinema designed for screenings and mass events.

The main entrance to the building is adorned with a monumental portico in classical style, with a pediment that gives the structure a solemn appearance. The interior is characterized by an elegant color palette: light blue and white tones create a sense of spaciousness and brightness, while the side galleries are decorated with a colonnade that visually expands the space.

The club section is located in a three-story corner part of the building. Its entrance is flanked by Ionic columns, adding a palace-like character to the architecture. The interior layout follows a corridor system. On the first floor, there is a library where reading events, meetings, and exhibitions are held. The second and third floors accommodate administrative offices and rooms for amateur artistic activities, making the Palace a fully functional cultural complex.

Tours with a Visit to the Palace

The Palace of Culture of Railway Workers is included in various tours around Belarus thanks to its historical and architectural significance. Tourists interested in 20th-century architecture, the history of railway transport, culture, and art have the opportunity, as part of a tour with a visit to the Palace, to learn about its past, see the halls where concerts and exhibitions take place, and visit the library and club rooms that have preserved the atmosphere of the Soviet era.

Tours from Minsk are especially popular, during which visitors can not only see the Palace but also explore other landmarks of Gomel. These trips are suitable for both individual tourists and organized groups of schoolchildren, students, and company employees.

For the convenience of tourists, it is possible to book a tour with a visit to the Palace of Culture of Railway Workers on the website ekskursii.by. Professional guides will narrate each stage of the building’s history, showcase its architectural details, and answer visitors' questions.