Plizio Visual Lab
National Library of Belarus
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The National Library of Belarus in Minsk is both a vital educational hub and one of the most recognizable modern architectural landmarks in the capital. Its extraordinary design, shaped like a rhombicuboctahedron (a multifaceted diamond), was completed in 2006 and symbolizes the priceless value of knowledge. Standing at a height of 72 meters with 22 floors, the impressive structure houses an enormous collection of over eight million items, ranging from rare historical manuscripts to modern digital resources. As evening falls, the building's glass exterior transforms into a massive canvas for a dynamic LED light show that illuminates the surrounding area. Furthermore, the open-air observation deck on the top floor gives visitors spectacular panoramic views of the entire Minsk cityscape.
- Location: Belarus
- Top sights: Observation deck · Books Museum · Muzei navuki <<Elemento>>
- Nearby: Minsk (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -8 | -6 | -1 | 6 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 18 | 12 | 6 | 1 | -5 |
| Rain mm | 53 | 43 | 45 | 48 | 85 | 80 | 103 | 83 | 50 | 66 | 54 | 51 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The National Library of Belarus is a public building that can be visited on weekdays. Access to the observation deck and reading rooms is available without registration.
Typical hours
The library is typically open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-21:00, Sunday 10:00-18:00. Closed on Mondays; the observation deck may have slightly different hours.
Photography
Photography is allowed in all public areas, but in reading rooms only with permission. The observation deck gives fantastic panoramic shots of the city.
Time needed
Visiting the observation deck and a quick tour of the building takes about 30-45 minutes. To enjoy exhibitions and cafés, allow one hour.
Combine with
The library is located in eastern Minsk, near Victory Park and the Botanical Garden. The city center and Independence Square are quickly reachable by metro.
Getting there
The nearest metro station is Nyamiha, about 10 minutes on foot. Many bus and trolleybus lines stop at „Biblioteka” station right in front of the building.
Insider tip
Visit the building in the evening when the LED facade lighting is on - a spectacular sight. The observation deck is also open at night, offering a great view.
Geography
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town National Library of Belarus (5)
Muzei navuki <<Elemento>>🏛 museum
Science museum „Elemento” in the National Library.
Park Piśmiennikaŭ🌳 park
Park of Writers in Minsk.
Evrikum
Theme park „Evrikum” in Minsk.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What unusual shape does the National Library have?
The building is shaped like a rhombicuboctahedron.
When was the building completed?
The new library was opened in 2006.
Is there an observation deck?
Yes, there is an observation deck on the 23rd floor with a view over Minsk.
Does the library light up at night?
Yes, the facade is equipped with LEDs that produce colorful light effects at night.
Can tourists see the bookshelves?
Access to the reading rooms is often restricted, but there are guided tours.
National Library of Belarus: where is it located?
National Library of Belarus is located in Belarus.
National Library of Belarus: what is there to see?
Highlights include Observation deck, Books Museum, Muzei navuki <<Elemento>>.
National Library of Belarus: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
National Library of Belarus: why is it worth visiting?
The National Library of Belarus in Minsk is both a vital educational hub and one of the most recognizable modern architectural landmarks in the capital.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Belarus →
Nearby cities
Minsk
Minsk is the capital and largest city of Belarus, situated on the Svislach and the Nyamiha rivers.
Minsk Upper Town
The Upper Town is the historical heart of Minsk, characterized by 16th to 19th-century architecture.
Babruysk
Babruysk is a major industrial center located on the Berezina River.
Baranovichi
Baranovichi is a crucial railway junction in western Belarus.
Barysaw
Barysaw is an industrial city northeast of Minsk on the Berezina River.
Lida
Lida is famous for its 14th-century castle built by the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas.
Soligorsk
Soligorsk is one of the youngest cities in the country, founded as a mining town.
Maladzyechna
Maladzyechna is an important cultural and industrial center in the Minsk Region.
Zhodzina
Zhodzina is an industrial city famous worldwide for the production of massive BelAZ mining trucks.
Historic Slutsk
Slutsk was famous for its manufactories where the precious Slutsk belts were woven.
Slutsk
Slutsk is historically famous for the production of Slutsk belts, which were a symbol of Belarusian nobility.
Slonim
Slonim is one of the oldest cities in western Belarus, with a rich Jewish and Polish heritage.
Smarhon
Smarhon is located in northwestern Belarus.
Dzyarzhynsk
Dzyarzhynsk is located west of Minsk and is named after Feliks Dzerzhinsky.
Asipovichy
Asipovichy is a major industrial and transport center in the Mogilev Region.