My Belarus expo surpasses 200,000 visitors. Here’s why you should see it

 

A distinctive atmosphere of national pride and creative inspiration now fills the very heart of Minsk. At the Minsk International Exhibition Center, the large-scale project My Belarus has been underway for almost a month, having united hundreds of unique exhibits. Vivid canvases by contemporary artists, rare archival photographs, and masterpieces of folk art combine into a living, multifaceted mosaic of the homeland. Each hall of the exhibition tells its own story, from ancient legends and centuries-old architectural monuments to the high-tech achievements of the modern era.

Visitors pause for a long time before works that masterfully capture the quiet beauty of the Polesian forests and the crystal-clear surface of Belarusian lakes. Families come here to rediscover familiar places through art and to feel the unbreakable bond between generations. BelTA correspondents found out what the exhibition organizers have prepared for this weekend.

“We want to show our child what our Belarus is”

In its first month, the exhibition has already welcomed over 200,000 people. This year it has become even more interactive, vibrant, and high-tech, noted representatives of BelExpo. VR journeys, interactive zones for children and adults, on-site masterclasses, ecological installations, soundscapes, research stations, a diverse cultural program, and much more await the project’s guests.

What distinguishes the second My Belarus exhibition? “The design and configuration of the exhibition space have changed, which now includes three parts: a zone for cultural projects, sectoral expositions, as well as photo zones and installations,” the organizers emphasized. “The main exhibition comprises eight thematic blocks reflecting the development priorities for our country in the five-year period, with a focus on advanced solutions in key economic sectors. All this is enhanced by immersion technologies and augmented reality effects, virtual activities, and interactive stands.”

The expositions are housed in two halls. One is dedicated to industry, science, medicine, sports, agriculture, and the security sector.

The second hall is dedicated to a wide-ranging presentation of Belarus’ regions. At the Grodno Oblast stand, home to the discovery of an ancient rook figurine, visitors encounter giant chess pieces. Vitebsk Oblast (Polotsk) invites guests to try their hand as a first printer. Brest Oblast showcases robotics, featuring robot waiters distributing cheese and interactive anthropomorphic robots. Visitors can also sit in the cab of a BelAZ truck and explore the Mikashevichi granite quarry as an example of industrial tourism. Gomel Oblast highlights rushnik towels and traditional weaving (the Neglyub tradition’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List) alongside the Yurovichi archaeological site and highlights from the Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace. Minsk Oblast presents its tourist zones, the symbol of Minsk, and a coin-minting exhibit. Mogilev Oblast focuses on new museums and commemorates the Great Patriotic War, featuring the museum at Buinichskoye Field.

Viktoria Motlokh is attending the exhibition for the second year in a row, having traveled from Lepel with her husband and grandson. “We saw it on the news and, of course, had to come,” she said. “We want our child to see what Belarus is and what new things are emerging here.”

For Viktoria, the biggest difference this year is the abundance of computer technologies on display. “There are more innovative solutions,” she observed. “This is our first time at the medical stand, as last year we either didn’t get to it, or perhaps it wasn’t even there. It’s definitely very interesting.”

Minsk resident Nadezhda Rumsevich, along with her sons Mikhail and Aleksei, is also visiting the exhibition for the second consecutive year. “Last year, when the exhibition debuted, there were very many people. This year we decided to come a bit later. Everything is interesting. We’ve been to all the [stands set up by the] regions multiple times, we’ve seen everything. Liked a lot. Most of all, the sports zone. It’s interactive. You can touch things, try them out yourself,” she said.

Nadezhda’s eldest son, Aleksei, said they had already managed to see a lot at the exhibition: the fire station, the stand about space, medicine, and pharmaceuticals.

Tastings, quizzes, and a concert program

On 17 January, a day of microbiology was held at the My Belarus exhibition as part of the “My Science” project. Young scientists gave lectures on bacteria, mold, fermentation, and even space, highlighting microorganisms essential to modern science and daily life.

Guests participated in a mini-quiz titled “About Microbiology and Life,” along with brief lectures: “Plastic for Lunch: Eco-Bacteria,” “Microorganisms in a Glass: Secrets,” “Microorganisms and Space,” and “Mold in the House: The Invisible Architect of Destruction.”

Visitors could also see an interactive children’s New Year’s performance and the work of the “City of Masters” from Beryoza District. The evening wrapped up with a performance by creative groups from Ivanovo District with a “New Year’s Program.”

Rodion Pasechnik came to the exhibition with his parents from Bobruisk. “I managed to see the nuclear power plant, I liked it very much. I also went through the spaces where you can experience the seasons. I really liked it, especially summer. I spent time in a village this summer. I really liked how they depicted the forest here, the animals walking calmly. It evokes pleasant memories,” the boy shared his impressions.

Connoisseurs of organic products enjoyed a celebration of authentic flavor. The “Smart Agriculture” agro-industrial complex stand hosted a tasting of a 2.5-meter-long sausage from Mogilev Meat Processing Plant, crafted especially for the exhibition using a classic recipe. Additionally, samples of dark steamed bread with a rich texture, along with gingerbread and cupcakes from Grodnokhlebprom, were offered. The experience was complemented by an interactive lottery featuring sweet gifts.

“We haven’t seen that much yet because, of course, it’s difficult to do it with a child. If she likes something, she lingers there for a long time,” shared Dmitry Konoplyanik from Soligorsk. He came to the exhibition with his wife Olga and daughter Mia. “Our daughter rode on a tubing slide. But probably the thing we all liked the most was shooting laser pistols. Our daughter even hit the target, surprisingly. We also played tennis, really liked the chess. The atmosphere is, of course, wonderful. Surprisingly, it’s not too crowded, I’d even say it’s quite calm. There have probably been busier days, but we were struck by how few people were here. It’s nice; you can really take your time and see everything without feeling rushed.”

Schoolgirl Polina Gusakova came to the exhibition with her friend Sofia Borisyuk. The girls managed to try out a simulator for alpine skiers. “We managed to milk a cow, sit on a quad bike, and passed a quiz on gas. We saw Belarusian national costumes, embroideries. We even got to taste juices, fruit drinks, and purees,” noted Polina.

Sofia liked the stand of the security structures. “My dad is a policeman, and my mom works in a related field, so I’m pretty much surrounded by it. It’s interesting for me, too. I also really liked the seasonal spaces; they smell amazing and have a great atmosphere,” she added.

The exhibition runs until 23 February, on weekdays from 12:00 to 21:00, on weekends from 11:00 until 21:00. Admission is free for all. There are daily tastings, concerts, theatrical performances, cartoon screenings, educational lectures, and masterclasses. The current program, opening hours, and transport routes can be found on the website of the BelExpo exhibition complex and in a dedicated Telegram channel.

According to the organizers, the goal of the My Belarus exhibition is to evoke in Belarusians a sense of pride, inspiration, faith in themselves and their country, fostering a shared stake in its future. The exhibition offers a chance to step into the role of an explorer and to acquire fresh knowledge and gather lasting, vivid impressions.

Anastasia KOZLOVA,

Photos by Tatiana MATUSEVICH,