Joint excursion of BGAMLI and BGANTD under the arches of the former Bernandine Church

On June 13, 2024, a joint excursion of the Belarusian State Archive-Museum of Literature and Art and the Belarusian State Archive of Scientific and Technical Documentation took place. The group visited the «wall» of the former Bernandine Church (or the Church of St. Joseph), one of the few monuments of baroque architecture of the 17th century in Minsk.

The interesting centuries-old history of the building where the archives are now located always attracts. Inside, the interior of the church dates back to the early 1960s. divided by ceilings into 5 floors. The barrel vault over the central nave, the highest part of the church, has been lost in the interior. The decor and painting of 9 altars have not been preserved, with the exception of the modeling of capitals, pilasters and pillars. Crossed vaults have survived in the side naves, and spiral staircases have survived in the thick wall of the main facade (they can be seen through the small round windows of these flights of stairs to the left and right of the entrance door to the archives). It was in this surviving part that excursion support was organized.

Archivists walked along the spiral staircases, studied the style of construction and other unique artifacts. Thanks to interesting stories and memories from archive staff, each participant was able to immerse himself in the fascinating world of history.

It seemed as if the spirit of the Bernandines, who constantly strived for knowledge (there was a school and a library at the church), was still nearby today. As before, in our time, scientists and researchers around the world continue to seek new knowledge, expand the boundaries of human thought and discover new possibilities.

Archivists at the Belarusian State Archive-Museum of Literature and Art and the Belarusian State Archive of Scientific and Technical Documentation have access to extensive information that allows them to share knowledge, develop new ideas and constantly create something new. In this sense, the spirit of the Bernandines is the spirit of not only the past, but also the present, which lives in each of us, who strives for knowledge and progress.

1. Former Bernandine Church

2. Representatives of BGAMLI and BGANDT, accompanied by directors of archives

3. Representatives of BGAMLI and BGANDT, accompanied by directors of archives