Minsk knows how to surprise — even when it comes to museums. Beyond the classic art galleries and history exhibitions, Minsk is home to some truly unusual museum spaces — from an old horse-drawn tram to functioning phonographs, from aviation relics to giant boulders scattered across the map of Belarus. These museums aren’t just collections of artifacts — they’re immersive journeys into the past or the depths of the ocean. Many are also perfect for visiting with kids — boredom is not on the agenda.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 6 offbeat museums in Minsk that are well worth your time.
Museum of the History of the Minsk Horse-Drawn Tram and Carriages
This museum complex is a true time machine — a journey into Minsk at the turn of the 20th century. It brings together two main exhibitions, “Minsk Horse-Drawn Tram” and “The Carriage Gallery”, housed within the grounds of a former Bernardine monastery in the Upper Town.
What’s interesting here:
- A full-size reconstruction of a horse-drawn tram car, where you can take part in an interactive virtual ride through old Minsk. Street sounds, shop windows, vintage posters, and historic panoramas create a vivid sense of presence.
- A control room of the horse-drawn railway, restored with period furnishings and featuring a digital route map. You can even listen to news and stories through an old telephone.
- A 1:33 scale diorama of the “Horse Tram Depot” — including workshops, barns, stables, an infirmary, and a public waiting area. There’s also an interactive game-quest called “Carriage Master” — complete it and receive a digital coachman’s license.
- “The Carriage Gallery” showcases different types of horse-drawn transport: phaetons, carts, sleighs, and coaches, along with a reconstruction of a carriage workshop and its traditional tools.
Why it’s worth visiting:
This museum is a perfect choice for families with kids or anyone who enjoys interactive history and immersive storytelling through tactile and visual details. Despite its compact size, the museum is full of lively features and unexpected gems — from the sounds of old Minsk streets to vintage-style games.
It’s not just about viewing exhibits — it’s about experiencing a mini story of the city: the rustling of horse hooves, the distinctive ring of an antique telephone, and even the scent of bygone shop displays.
If you’re traveling with children and looking for even more family-friendly activities in Minsk, check out our guide Minsk with Kids: Where to Go So Everyone Has a Good Time. You’ll discover tried-and-tested spots — from an interactive science park to a zoo with a dolphinarium — where boredom simply isn’t an option for anyone in the family.
Location: 6–8 Kirilla i Mefodiya Street
Website:
Minsk Horse-Drawn Tram
The Carriage Gallery
Museum of Aviation and Cosmonautics
This open-air museum is a true gem for anyone who has ever dreamed of the skies. Located on the grounds of the active Central Aeroclub named after twice Hero of the Soviet Union Sergey Gritsevets, it holds the title of the first aviation museum in Belarus. Its creation was driven by the passion of the aeroclub staff, especially its head, Nikolai Mochansky, who became the project’s visionary and guiding force.
What’s interesting here:
- The extensive collection features over two dozen Soviet-era airplanes and helicopters — from the hardworking An-2 to the legendary MiG-29 fighter jet, and even the massive Mi-26 transport helicopter. It’s a rare opportunity to get up close and appreciate the true scale of these flying machines.
- Access to the cockpits is one of the museum’s key highlights — visitors can climb inside real aircraft and imagine themselves as pilots. This is a huge hit with kids (and adults who once built model planes from balsa wood).
- A unique ejection seat simulator is also on display — a rare artifact typically seen only at restricted military facilities.
- The museum also touches on the history of space exploration, adding a touch of sci-fi to the otherwise military-themed experience.
Why it’s worth visiting:
If you’re looking to step off the typical tourist trail and explore something truly unusual, this museum won’t disappoint. The atmosphere is authentic and fueled by enthusiasm — it’s clear this place was built for people, not just to tick a box, but out of love for aviation and history.
Location: 12A Lipkovskaya Street (on the grounds of the DOSAAF Central Aeroclub)
Website: https://aeroclub-minsk.by/
Museum of Urban Public Transport
This deeply atmospheric museum is dedicated to the history of Minsk’s urban transport. Visits are only available by prior appointment, which gives the experience the feel of an exclusive club for enthusiasts of urbanism, retro technology, and engineering.
What’s interesting here:
- The museum houses a collection of historic trams, trolleybuses, and buses, including iconic Soviet-era models. You’ll see vintage trams with wooden benches and trolleybuses that were once a daily part of city life.
- Many vehicles have been restored to working condition, and visitors can step inside, explore the driver’s cabin, and feel like a passenger from a bygone era.
- The exhibits are enhanced with archival photos, old tickets, route maps, and authentic uniforms worn by transport workers — creating a fully immersive experience of Minsk’s 20th-century public transport.
- The guides are true enthusiasts who tell stories about the development of Minsk’s transport system with a keen eye for detail and a genuine passion for the subject.
Why it’s worth visiting:
This museum is like a time portal to Minsk’s past: a mix of nostalgia, engineering, and urban charm. It’s especially appealing to those interested in city history, public transport, or anyone seeking unique places off the usual tourist path.
Location: 6 Partizansky Avenue, Building 4
Website: https://minsktrans.by/
Museum of Boulders
This open-air museum is one of the most unusual and underrated places in Minsk. It’s essentially a geological park, where over 2,000 boulders of various sizes, shapes, and origins have been gathered in one location.
What’s interesting here:
- All the boulders were brought from across Belarus and represent different geological eras. Each one has a plaque with information about its name, composition, and where it was found.
- There are themed exhibits, such as the “Map of Belarus in Stones” — where each boulder represents a specific region of the country — or “Megaliths,” reminiscent of prehistoric sanctuaries.
- The area is full of greenery, walking paths, and benches, making a stroll through the museum both educational and genuinely relaxing.
- It’s a great spot to escape the bustle of the city, especially during warmer months. Entry is free, it’s rarely crowded, and you can peacefully wander among the stones, reading the plaques or simply enjoying the surroundings.
Why it’s worth visiting:
This is a museum without walls or ceilings — where the history of the Earth literally lies beneath your feet. It’s appealing for both adults and kids, especially those who enjoy nature, geology, and unconventional walking routes. Arguably, it’s the most peaceful and contemplative museum in Minsk.
Location: Uruchye district
Museum of Sound Recording History “Edison’s Dream”
This private museum is a true time capsule of sound, tucked away in a residential neighborhood of Minsk. Its founders have assembled a unique collection of antique sound reproduction devices — phonographs, gramophones, turntables, and rare vinyl records — covering over a century of musical history.
What’s interesting here:
- Visitors can actually hear what the very first sound recordings from the 19th century sounded like.
- The museum features over 80 fully functioning devices — and each one can come to life right before your eyes.
- On display are not just the machines, but also original recordings of global stars — from early 20th-century opera singers to icons of the golden age of jazz.
- The setting is enhanced with retro furniture and antique household items, turning your visit into a richly atmospheric journey through time.
- Tours are conducted in an interactive format — complete with audio demos, storytelling, and live demonstrations of how the devices work.
Why it’s worth visiting:
This is an intimate space where the technological revolution of sound comes alive — literally — to the ear. It’s a must-see for music lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious to connect with the past in a surprising way. Note: visits are by appointment only, and group sizes are usually small, making for a cozy and personal experience.
Location: 121 Pobediteley Avenue
Website: https://sonedisona.by/
Oceanography Center “Open Ocean”
How about diving into the depths of the sea — without ever leaving the city? “Open Ocean” is a unique science-themed space where oceanography, marine biology, and underwater technology come alive through exhibitions and hands-on experiences.
What’s interesting here:
- You can try on a real diving suit and experience what it’s like to be an underwater explorer — or test out rescue gear.
- The exhibition features ship models, navigation equipment, elements of underwater machinery, and even live marine creatures.
- Visitors learn how deep-sea vehicles work, why some fish glow in the dark, and what happens at 1,000 meters below the surface.
- There are plenty of interactive zones — including a diving simulator, ocean current models, and water-based experiment stations.
Why it’s worth visiting:
It’s an ideal spot for a family visit: kids will love the hands-on activities, while adults will appreciate the scientific and technical depth. The center turns Minsk — for the duration of your visit — into a true port of knowledge, where the ocean is just an arm’s length away.
Location: 3 Brilevskaya Street (entrance from the courtyard)
Website: @oceanminsk
If you’ve already seen the main attractions, try exploring some of Minsk’s less obvious — but no less fascinating — places. Here, you can connect with the history of public transport, hear the first sounds of a phonograph, walk among glacial-era boulders, or even try on a flight helmet or a diving suit.
These museums reveal a different side of the city — more personal, informal, and alive. It’s a great way to make your journey through Minsk richer and more memorable, especially if you appreciate off-the-beaten-path locations and authentic experiences.
