Marking Minsk’s 959th Anniversary: A Video Based on BGAMLI Archival Materials

Minsk traditionally celebrates City Day on the second Saturday of September. On September 12, 2026, the Belarusian capital will mark its 959th anniversary. To commemorate this occasion, the Belarusian State Archive-Museum of Literature and Art (BGAMLI) has produced a video inviting viewers on a captivating virtual journey into the capital’s past.

The short video features three artworks by Belarusian masters from the BGAMLI fine arts collection: a linocut by Anatoly Tychina titled «Main Entrance to Dynamo Stadium» (1946); a drawing by Ivan Rey titled «Alexander Square with a View of Shop No.13» (1960s); and a drawing by Makrina Pashkovskaya titled «Minsk’s Upper City, Viewed from the Svisloch River» (1988).

By juxtaposing these archival artworks with modern-day views of the same locations, the one-minute video allows viewers to witness the changing face of their beloved city and experience the unbroken continuity of time.

The BGAMLI team extends its sincere congratulations to the residents of Minsk and visitors to the capital on this festive occasion!

You can watch the video and take an aesthetic stroll through the Minsk of yesteryear on the official BGAMLI YouTube channel via this link.

Ivan Rey. «Alexander Square with a View of Shop No.13». 1960s. Fond 374, Inventory 2, Item 87.