BGAMLI Hosts Return Visit from Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus Colleagues

On September 10, 2026, the Belarusian State Archive-Museum of Literature and Art (hereinafter BGAMLI) hosted a return visit by staff members from the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre of the Republic of Belarus. During a guided tour, the theatre colleagues learned about the rich history behind the establishment of this specialized archive-museum and its key areas of activity, as well as the unique architectural past of the building itself—a Baroque monument (formerly the Bernardine Church). BGAMLI specialists explained to the guests how document preservation is ensured and described the technologies used to restore paper-based materials and carefully safeguard priceless primary sources.

Lead Archivist T.V.Kekeleva guided the guests through current exhibition projects on display in the reading room: the documentary exhibition «Sincere Friendship» («Shchyrae syabroustva»), which reflects the history and depth of Belarusian-Uzbek literary and cultural ties; and the exhibition «Walking to Poetry…» («Idu da vershau peshshu..».), prepared to mark the anniversary of the prominent Belarusian poet Gennady Buravkin.

The guests showed particular professional interest in the history of theatrical art, which is carefully preserved within the walls of the archive-museum. Notably, BGAMLI serves as the primary repository for documents from Belarusian theatres. Its holdings contain unique materials directly linked to the development of opera and ballet in the country, including set design sketches, rare programs, playbills, and the personal archives of legendary stage figures.

This tour marked a continuation of the bilateral cooperation between BGAMLI and the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre of the Republic of Belarus in the sphere of preserving and promoting national cultural heritage.

1. T.V.Kekeleva conducts a tour for staff members of the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus.

2. During a tour of the reading room at BGAMLI.