Art in Minsk is felt not only in its museums but also in its streets, architecture, and daily rhythm. Here, classic and contemporary styles exist side by side — grand facades stand next to cozy galleries where the creative energy never stops flowing.
If you’re an art lover, a walk through Minsk’s art spaces is one of the most rewarding ways to spend a day. The city’s galleries are more than just exhibition halls — they’re places where you can experience the city’s character, meet talented Belarusian artists, and discover new names on the local art scene.
In this guide, we’ve gathered nine of the most fascinating galleries in Minsk — from major museums to intimate art spaces where creativity thrives in its own unique way.
The National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus
The country’s main museum and a true pride of Belarusian culture, the National Art Museum is a place where you can walk through twelve centuries of human history and see how Belarusian art evolved alongside global artistic trends.
Its collections include more than 37,000 works — from ancient Russian icons to contemporary paintings. It is the largest collection of Belarusian art in the world, and every exhibition here is curated with remarkable attention to detail. Visitors often note not only the richness of the collection, but also the refined design of the halls, the harmonious lighting, and the distinctive atmosphere that lets you quite literally step into another era.
Located in the very heart of Minsk, the museum is perfect for anyone who wants to experience Belarusian culture more deeply than a casual walk through the city would allow. It’s easy to spend several hours here without noticing how time flies — the art and the space itself leave a truly lasting impression.
Address: Minsk, 20 Lenina Str.
Website: https://artmuseum.by/en
Mikhail Savitsky Art Gallery
This gallery is more than an exhibition space — it is a place of remembrance and inspiration dedicated to one of Belarus’s most significant artists, Mikhail Andreevich Savitsky, a Hero of Belarus and a national artist of the country.
Across ten halls, the gallery displays more than a thousand exhibits: paintings, photographs, documents, awards, and the artist’s personal belongings. The collection spans Savitsky’s entire creative journey — from his earliest works of the late 1950s to his pieces from the 2000s. Among the highlights are his renowned cycles “The Black Chronicle” and “The Beatitudes”, in which he reflects with profound sensitivity on themes of memory, human destiny, and spiritual resilience.
One of the most striking elements of the gallery is the reconstruction of Savitsky’s studio and workspace — immersive installations that let visitors feel the atmosphere of the artist’s personal environment. The gallery itself is housed in the former Przeździecki estate, a late-18th-century building that adds a layer of historic charm. Four rooms recreate the interiors of the old manor — a living room, a study, a library — creating an evocative dialogue between art and history.
In addition to its permanent exhibition, the gallery regularly hosts temporary shows dedicated to contemporary Belarusian artists and cultural initiatives. It’s a place where the past and present of Belarusian art meet in a remarkably harmonious conversation.
Address: Minsk, 15 Svobody Sq.
Website: https://www.minskmuseum.by/
National Centre for Contemporary Arts of the Republic of Belarus
If the National Art Museum represents heritage and tradition, then the National Centre for Contemporary Arts (NCCA) is a vibrant conversation with the present day. The spirit of experimentation defines this space: installations, digital art, performance, video art, and immersive exhibitions make the center dynamic, unpredictable, and constantly evolving.
The NCCA operates two branches — one on Nezavisimosti Avenue 47 and another on Nekrasova Street 3. Each venue has its own distinct character, yet they share a common mission: to show that art is alive, fluid, and always in motion. Exhibitions invite visitors not merely to view the works, but to interact with them — take part in creative quests, watch short films tied to the exhibition’s theme, or even see themselves transformed by an AI into the stylistic world of the current show.
The NCCA is an excellent choice for anyone intrigued by new forms of artistic expression and drawn to unexpected experiences. It’s not just a museum — it’s an artistic laboratory, where every visit feels like a discovery.
Address: Minsk, 47 Nezavisimosti Ave.; 3 Nekrasova Str.
Website: http://ncsm.by/
Leonid Shchemelev Art Gallery
Warm, luminous, and remarkably alive — that’s the atmosphere of the Leonid Shchemelev Art Gallery, dedicated to the People’s Artist of Belarus whose works radiate love for his homeland. The gallery’s exhibition is a visual retrospective spanning more than three decades of the master’s creative journey, from the 1970s to the early 2000s.
Here you’ll find sweeping historical canvases such as “On Native Soil” and “Vitebsk During the War of 1812”, lyrical landscapes of Belarus — Narach, Lepel, Lahoysk, Minsk, Vitebsk — as well as intimate portraits of people close to the artist and expressive still lifes imbued with quiet philosophical reflection.
Visitors often note the gallery’s unique atmosphere: the paintings seem to glow from within, dominated by crisp, bright tones — especially blues and whites — which create an overwhelming sense of harmony and light. It’s a place where inner calm comes naturally, leaving that “pleasant aftertaste” so many guests describe.
In addition to its permanent exhibition, the gallery regularly hosts temporary shows featuring contemporary Belarusian artists, continuing an active, thoughtful dialogue between generations of creators.
Address: Minsk, 10 Revolutsionnaya Str.
Website: https://www.minskmuseum.by/
A&V Art Gallery
A&V Art Gallery is a space where contemporary Belarusian art is born, shaped, and showcased. Free from formality and museum-style rigidity, the gallery moves in step with the times, supporting talented artists and helping them gain recognition both in Belarus and abroad.
Its main focus is solo exhibitions by modern Belarusian creators. Shows rotate roughly once a month, so every visit reveals something new — painting, graphics, sculpture, or installations. A&V actively collaborates with international art platforms and participates in major exhibitions worldwide, presenting Belarusian art on the global stage.
Despite its intimate scale, the gallery leaves a powerful impression. It blends an atmosphere of artistic freedom with a refined, contemporary aesthetic. Visitors can not only enjoy the works on display but also purchase pieces they love, supporting the artists directly.
Address: Minsk, 17 Revolutsionnaya Str.
Website: http://www.av-artgallery.com/
Mastatstva Gallery
Mastatstva Gallery is a true legend of the Belarusian art scene. Founded in the late 1940s by the Belarusian Union of Artists, it’s considered the oldest art gallery in the country — and remains one of the key spaces for discovering contemporary Belarusian art in all its diversity.
Its spacious halls showcase painting, graphics, sculpture, and decorative arts. Every exhibition is curated by art historians and experts, ensuring high quality and thoughtful presentation. Here you’ll find works by established masters alongside creations from emerging artists, making the gallery equally appealing to collectors and casual visitors seeking inspiration.
Many guests note Mastatstva’s unique atmosphere — a blend of tradition and modernity, sophistication and accessibility. Most artworks and art objects can be purchased, and the gallery also offers small souvenirs and gifts crafted by Belarusian artists. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for something unique and authentically local.
If you’re interested in distinctive Belarusian gifts, take a look at our guide “What Souvenirs to Bring from Belarus and Where to Buy Them in Minsk” — we’ve gathered the best ideas and shopping spots for inspiration.
Address: Minsk, 12 Nezavisimosti Ave.
Website: https://artgallery.by/
Belart Art Gallery
Belart Art Gallery is one of the coziest, most heartfelt art spaces in Minsk — a place where you can quite literally feel the pulse of contemporary Belarusian art. Founded in the mid-1990s by the Belarusian Union of Artists, it has become a platform that unites creators of all kinds: established painters and graphic artists, as well as talented young authors just beginning their artistic journeys.
The gallery’s exhibition is strikingly diverse. Classical landscapes and still lifes sit alongside abstract compositions, surrealist works, and pieces of decorative and applied art — batik, painted textiles, ceramics, and tapestries. Thanks to this variety, every visitor can find something that resonates: a work for a personal collection, a meaningful gift, or simply a spark of inspiration.
Belart is especially known for its warm, “living” atmosphere. Its rotating exhibition-sale is updated regularly, meaning that even if you’ve visited before, it’s always worth stopping by again — you’re almost certain to discover something new and unexpected.
Visitors also appreciate the gallery’s surprisingly accessible prices. Belart is one of the few places in Minsk where you can purchase artwork without feeling that art is reserved for the elite. And its central location makes it a wonderful stop during a walk around the city — in Belart, art truly greets you just around the corner.
Address: Minsk, 4 K. Marksa Str.
Website: https://bel-art.by/
Art-Belarus Gallery
Art-Belarus Gallery is one of the most vibrant and culturally significant art initiatives in modern Belarus. Created on the initiative of Belgazprombank, it has become a true bridge between historic heritage and a contemporary vision of art. The story began in 2011–2012, when the bank acquired works by legendary artists of the Paris School whose lives and creative paths were deeply connected to Belarus. This brought home masterpieces by Marc Chagall, Chaim Soutine, Ossip Zadkine, and other world-renowned artists.
These works formed the foundation of a unique corporate collection — the largest in Eastern and Central Europe dedicated to the expressionists of the Paris School. Over time, the collection expanded to include early printed books, 19th-century painting, works from the “World of Art” movement, and pieces by Belarusian artists of the diaspora.
Visitors often note that every exhibition at Art-Belarus is meticulously curated — from the lighting and color schemes of the halls to interactive zones and photo areas. Here, you don’t just look at paintings — you experience them emotionally, reflect, and feel a connection with the culture. It’s the kind of place you want to return to again and again, as each new exhibition reveals Minsk and Belarus from a fresh angle through the language of art.
Address: Minsk, 3 Kozlova Str.
Website: https://artbelarus.by/en/
Artel Art Gallery
If you’re looking for a place where art meets comfort, Artel Art Gallery is a must-visit — a unique space where cultural immersion blends seamlessly with a cup of fragrant coffee. Here, exhibitions and gastronomy come together in a harmonious concept: first you explore a world of painting, graphics, and decorative art, and then you settle into the café-lounge to discuss your impressions over dessert.
Artel is more than a gallery — it’s a living cultural hub where art feels like a natural part of everyday life rather than something distant or formal. One of its greatest points of pride is the guided tours led by an art historian. Their storytelling turns a regular visit into a true artistic journey: engaging, accessible, and full of warmth.
Two spacious, light-filled halls create ideal conditions for discovering works by contemporary artists. Visitors can not only enjoy the exhibitions but also purchase paintings, jewelry, brooches, tote bags, and other artistic pieces.
Many guests describe Artel as a place they want to return to — for inspiration, for the atmosphere, and for that rare feeling that art has become part of their own personal space.
Address: Minsk, 58/1-6 Nezavisimosti Ave.
Website: @artelcafe
Final Thoughts: Art Is Always Within Reach
Minsk is a city where art is woven into everyday life. Each gallery has its own atmosphere, its own energy, and its own way of seeing the world. From the grandeur of the National Art Museum to the intimate charm of Artel, every space reveals a different facet of Belarus — vibrant, dynamic, and richly creative.
A day spent exploring Artistic Minsk can pass in a heartbeat. And in the evening, it’s especially pleasant to return to a cozy Belatravel apartment — pour yourself a cup of tea, sort through the photos you took, breathe in the lingering memory of paint and gallery halls, and feel that you’ve come to know the city just a little more deeply.
Cover photo: Yandex Maps, user – Елена Р.
