Museum of folk architecture and life

Belarusian State Museum of Folk Architecture and Life is a unique open-air museum where visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of old Belarusian villages. This skansen is a national ethnographic museum featuring authentic buildings that reflect the traditional culture of different regions of Belarus.

Particular attention is paid not only to architecture but also to the surrounding landscape, making excursions as atmospheric and informative as possible. This is an excellent place for those who want to delve deeper into the country’s history and see how our ancestors lived.

History of the Museum

The Museum of Folk Architecture and Life is a unique place where the history of Belarus comes to life. The idea of its creation was first proposed in 1908 by the famous artist Ferdinand Ruszczyc. However, due to wars and historical turmoil, the project was postponed for decades. Only in 1976 was an official decision made to establish the museum, and the first exhibition opened in 1987.

The original plan envisioned a large-scale ethnographic complex, but progress slowed significantly in the 1990s. A new phase of development began in 2007, and since then, the museum has been expanding its collection, presenting tourists with authentic wooden buildings, household items, and crafts that offer a glimpse into Belarusian history.

Museum Exhibition

The museum's vast territory includes three exhibition zones representing key historical regions of Belarus. Each is recreated as a separate settlement with residential houses and outbuildings. All the structures are authentic, having been dismantled and transported here from different parts of the country. The museum features several windmills, a fully reconstructed rural lifestyle, and, on festive days, hosts traditional celebrations. A full visit requires several hours, so it is recommended to allocate an entire day.

The exhibition is divided into three thematic parts. The “Central Belarus” sector showcases the architectural and everyday life features of rural Belarus from the 19th to early 20th centuries, typical of the Minsk region and the western part of Mogilev. This sector represents a traditional Belarusian village with estates arranged in one or two rows to conserve building materials and retain warmth. The centerpiece of the exhibition is the 18th-century Pokrovskaya Church from the village of Lognovichi, Kletsk district, formerly belonging to the Uniates.

Want to touch history and see how our ancestors lived? You can book an excursion from Minsk to the Museum of Folk Architecture and Life in Strochytsy as part of the tour Excursion to Strochytsy – Museum of Folk Architecture and Life.