Don't forget to visit new section under glass cupola (2nd floor, in the depths; go upstairs when see new passage): there Belarusian fine art of XX century is presented. The collection is rich and varied, and it helps you to understand Belarus in all its beauty. We were there several times, and every visit left bright aftertaste. On the 1st floor, don't miss Zhukovski's painting: he's Anton Chekhov of the canvas.
Open 11 until 7pm, closed Tuesdays, current cost BYR 50000. Leave bags downstairs in the cloakroom where you will also find the toilets but not Western style. There is a cafe and a shop selling postcards, books etc. As I discovered after my visit the shop also has available an audio guide in languages including English. The guide might have proved useful because although most of the exhibits have an English caption (artist, date etc) the museum doesn't have explanatory panels for each room and you don't get a floorplan or any leaflet with your ticket. As a foreigner lacking knowledge of Belarus art I could have done with more information to put the collection as a whole and the individual pieces in context. The collection (mostly but not exclusively paintings) has some interesting pieces and the modern part of the museum is full of light.
International level art museum, particularly rich in 19th century landscapes. Plenty of modern art because of the connection with Marc Chagall. The heroic revolutionary art about the Great Patriotic War was particularly moving, especially the evocative pictures of Minsk, devastated by bombardment.
This museum does not contain really valuable paintings or other exponats. Medieval collection of Belarusian wooden art is interesting though.
The place is extremely beautiful, it's my favorite museum in Minsk. As it's situated in center of Minsk in 5 minutes walk from underground station it is easy to get there, the entering price is pretty cheap, about 4€ for adults, 5€ for those who want to take photos; every last Wednesday of a month the entrance is free. Speaking about exhibition: one can hardly find some modern art there, but classics lovers, I'm sure, will enjoy the museum, there are ancient Belorussian art ex., Belorussian art XIXc. and XXc. ex., Russian art XVIII - XXc. ex., European art XVI- XXc. ex. and Asian art XIV-XXc. The museum also hosts diverse moving exhibitions.
The last Wednesday of the month is free day so we go often and do a wing at a time so it is more enjoyable. The new addition in the back gives the old building a modern interior.
I went in to escape from a storm, and was glad I did. The old section is a bit gloomy, though there are some nice paintings. The new section is great, flooded with light and showing contemporary Belarusian art. There is a small section with Eastern artifacts, eg Japanese kimonos, Korean and Chinese boxes. When I visited there was also a small temporary exhibition of belts (sashes) woven in silk and precious metals. Beautiful. Like most of Minsk, there are a lot of stairs and no facilities for wheelchairs.
not a fan of museums in Belarus, very poor exhibitions, dusty so if you're allergic to dust be prepared to sneeze...
I visited the museum more than once. You can easily spend a whole day admiring the variety of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and all kinds of art. Must see. Check schedule for different exhibitions.
I have to disagree with most of the reviewersMarc Chagall: Life and Love ExhibitionThe exhibition of works dedicated to the 125th anniversary one of the major 20th-century painters Marc Chagall in the National Art Museum of Belarus from the collections of the Museum of Israel is simply breath taking The exhibition features 89 works from different periods (1910-1961) representing the multifaceted art of the artist: gouaches, portraits, genre compositions, book illustration for the Fables by de la Fontaine , Dead Souls by Gogol and the Bible, The life, traditions ,suffering and the genocide of the Jewish People plays an important in the exposed dramatized works by Chagall. I left the exhibition with strong, overwhelming emotional feelingsThis museum is a highlight to your visit to MinskDate: 1 November- 28 January 2013Place: National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus, Minsk