{"id":542060,"date":"2026-05-13T20:13:01","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T17:13:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reform.news\/?p=542060"},"modified":"2026-05-14T09:58:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T06:58:47","slug":"museum-night-2026-events-in-belarus-and-beyond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reform.news\/en\/museum-night-2026-events-in-belarus-and-beyond","title":{"rendered":"Museum Night 2026: Events in Belarus and Beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n

On May 18, Museum Night is celebrated around the world, with cultural institutions remaining open until late evening or even overnight hours to offer visitors special programs.<\/p>\n

This year, Museum Night celebrations will mostly take place on the weekend, on May 16.<\/p>\n

We selected some of the most interesting Belarusian events both inside the country and abroad.<\/p>\n

Events in Belarus are collected here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Minsk and Region<\/h1>\n

National Centre for Contemporary Arts<\/h2>\n

\u201cMuseum Night at the NCCA\u201d will take place on May 16 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at 3 Nekrasava Street.<\/p>\n

The program includes an art discussion, lecture, master class, artist talk, meditative session, and quest.<\/p>\n

The event will begin with a lecture by art historian Alesia Inazemtseva<\/b>, \u201cProjection of Love: Eroticism in Art\u201d (18+), devoted to sexuality in different cultures and historical periods. The second part of the lecture will take place directly in the halls of the exhibition \u201cForms and Shadows: Feminine.\u201d There will also be an art discussion within the exhibition \u201cDifficulties of Translation\u201d with curator and artist Aleh Ladzisau<\/b>, followed later by a meditative session.<\/p>\n

The program is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

At the Centre\u2019s other venue (47 Independence Avenue), \u201cThe Last Museum Night FARBA+NCCA\u201d will take place. Visitors can expect a Belarusian-language puppet theater performance about Buratino, an immersive meditation tour with a tarot reader, nighttime quests with flashlights, a poetry tour in verse, as well as art quests, drawing with branches, and various tests.<\/p>\n

The program is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n

National Art Museum<\/h2>\n

The museum is offering the program \u201cBlue of Blue,\u201d exploring the most mysterious color \u2014 a symbol of trust, depth, calm, and elevation. As the color of the sky and water, blue is associated with infinity, permanence, and the connection of times. It naturally evokes Belarus, the \u201cblue-eyed\u201d land of rivers and lakes, flax, and cornflowers. During Museum Night, visitors will not only talk about blue, but also try to feel and hear it.<\/p>\n

The program is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Maksim Bahdanovich Literary Museum<\/h2>\n

This year, the museum chose a space theme, and the program is titled \u201cStar Hour.\u201d Visitors are welcome from 5 p.m., when entertainment for children begins.<\/p>\n

For the youngest guests, there will be a performance by Tatsiana Krytskaya<\/b>, \u201cThe Timid Little Mouse,\u201d and an interactive program by writer Katsiaryna Khadasevich-Lisavaya<\/b>, \u201cThe Space Adventures of Vukhutsik.\u201d<\/p>\n

Visitors will also be able to participate in workshops on visual poetry, complete creative imagination exercises, and hear about poems that traveled into space.<\/p>\n

The program is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Yakub Kolas State Literary and Memorial Museum<\/h2>\n

The museum invites visitors to the special program \u201cCircle\u00a9 of Time,\u201d when the museum ceases to be merely a building and becomes a portal. The Circle\u00a9 of Time stops for a moment, and the estate of Yakub Kolas comes alive differently \u2014 with music, dancing, silent cinema, and reenactments.<\/p>\n

At the end of the program, there will be an author\u2019s tour \u201cDreams of Yakub Kolas<\/b>\u201d led by chief curator and Yakub Kolas\u2019 great-granddaughter Vasilina Mitskevich<\/b>. This is a rare opportunity to hear living stories from someone who knows the room not from documents, but from family memories.<\/p>\n

The program is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Yanka Kupala State Literary Museum<\/h2>\n

The museum invites visitors to the interactive program \u201cEvening of White Roses.\u201d<\/p>\n

The program includes a presentation of the temporary exhibition \u201cKupala House \u2014 100!\u201d, the quest \u201cLadies and Houses,\u201d a fashion show by students of the BSU Department of Fashion Design, a screening of the first Belarusian feature film \u201cForest Tale,\u201d and a master class in social dances by the group \u201cTreasury of Traditions.\u201d<\/p>\n

The program is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cSula\u201d History Park<\/h2>\n

The park will host the interactive journey \u201cHunting the Dragon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn the banks of a magical river stood the Grand Duchy of Sula. There were neither wars nor hunger in that land because people there possessed happiness. It lived in every household \u2014 in children\u2019s laughter, in quiet family evenings, in prosperity that came naturally.<\/i><\/p>\n

But one day, the Dragon arrived…<\/i><\/p>\n

…gray and silent like fog. And he began collecting happiness. First one smile, then a warm word, and finally he dragged all happiness into his cellar, turning it into gray ash.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n

The program is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h2>\n

Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Lifestyle<\/h2>\n

The \u201cRustles of Old Courtyards\u201d program will include a unique reenactment of ancient purification rites, mysterious rituals linked to folk magic, a contemporary fashion show inspired by folk traditions, an evening bonfire gathering, and dancing until deep into the night to retro disco hits.<\/p>\n

The program is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Niasvizh Museum-Reserve<\/h2>\n

The palace will host a theatrical animated \u044d\u043a\u0441\u043a\u0443\u0440\u0441\u0438\u044f with quest elements, \u201cAncient Mysteries of Niasvizh Castle.\u201d This is not just a walk through the halls, but an exciting adventure. Participants will solve the mysteries of an ancient archive, search for missing letters, and complete tasks set by ancient characters. Visitors will encounter the inhabitants of the castle, listen to music by the piano trio \u201cTrio Time,\u201d and enjoy riddles, secrets, discoveries, dancing, prizes, and much more.<\/p>\n

In addition, the palace courtyard will turn into a real festival space featuring a children\u2019s play area, a video spinner for creating video clips, \u201cliving statues,\u201d and the opportunity to try on historical costumes. The legendary ensemble \u201cKharoshki\u201d will perform on stage. The main highlight of the evening will be the artisans\u2019 fair.<\/p>\n

The program is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Mir Castle Complex<\/h2>\n

On May 16, 2026, Mir Castle will open its doors to all lovers of history, music, and theater. As part of International Museum Day, the castle complex will host a series of bright and emotional events transporting guests to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The program includes a historical costume show, dance master classes, a puppet theater performance, a chamber guitar concert, and a themed photo exhibition on the restoration and revival of the castle.<\/p>\n

The program is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Hrodna and Region<\/h1>\n

Old and New Castles in Hrodna<\/h2>\n

The official opening of the \u201cMagic of Shakespeare\u201d event will take place at the New Castle.<\/p>\n

Guests can also expect quests in the Old Castle and numerous engaging workshops. Florists will teach visitors to create romantic flower arrangements to take home as souvenirs of the magical night. Actors will share secrets of stagecraft. Restorers will demonstrate how artworks damaged by time are revived. Fantasy lovers will enjoy the lecture \u201cMythical Creatures in Heraldry.\u201d The magical night will conclude with an instrumental project.<\/p>\n

The program is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Viciebsk and Region<\/h1>\n

Art Gallery of the National Polatsk Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve<\/h2>\n

The gallery will host sales exhibitions of works by Belarusian artists, the opening of Nadzeya Mantsevich\u2019s<\/b> (Viciebsk) textile exhibition \u201cBotanical Print\u201d (the artist will also conduct the workshop \u201cSecond Life of Plants\u201d), and the fashion show \u201cWhat the Years Whispered to Me,\u201d featuring the artist\u2019s original \u201cBoho\u201d-style models created using eco-print techniques.<\/p>\n

The full program of the National Polatsk Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Museum of Belarusian Book Printing<\/h2>\n

The theatrical excursion \u201cShadows Come Alive in the Darkness\u201d (6+) will tell the story of the origins of Belarusian writing and book printing. Visitors will learn to write with quills and typeset text. From the darkness of the centuries, shadows of those who contributed to the appearance of books hundreds of years ago will emerge.<\/p>\n

The program is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Mahilyow<\/h1>\n

Museum of the History of Mahilyow<\/h2>\n

\u201cMuseum Night at the Town Hall\u201d will take place on May 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The program includes the historical quest \u201c500 Years of Mahilyow Castle,\u201d the quest \u201cSecrets of Mahilyow Cuisine,\u201d a presentation of the historical project \u201cCenturies in Minutes,\u201d a costumed tour of the \u201cMagdeburg Mahilyow\u201d exhibition, visits to the clock mechanism and observation deck, evening film chronicles \u201cThe Tsar\u2019s Headquarters in Mahilyow,\u201d exhibitions, and a concert program.<\/p>\n

The program is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Homiel<\/h1>\n

Homiel Palace and Park Ensemble<\/h2>\n

The palace presents the program \u201cART-Circle\u201d \u2014 a journey from the past into the present, a look not at art but into art, and an exploration of what lies at its foundation. From a choreographic performance combining elements of national culture with modern plastic imagery (directed by Valiantsin Isakau<\/b>) to cymbal melodies in the Column Hall that resonate in the deepest corners of the soul; from creative searches through endlessly changing forms (sand artist Yury Ptashynski<\/b>) to timeless folk cultural constants. From ornaments on ancient ceramics to allegorical multilayered compositions by 21st-century Belarusian artists \u2014 everywhere one can discern the code of national identity, and every \u201cart\u201d reveals something eternal, native, and traditional.<\/p>\n

The program is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Havryil Vashchanka Art Gallery<\/b><\/h2>\n

The gallery will celebrate Museum Night on May 22.<\/p>\n

The \u201cSweet Museum Night\u201d project will begin with an exhibition of chocolate paintings and original photographs by Maryna and Aliaksandr Halouchenka<\/b>. The celebration will continue with the \u201cSweet Pictures\u201d competition, a joint project with radio station 107.4 FM, in which participants can create paintings from sweet ingredients. Finalists will then compete in a culinary duel, creating masterpieces from provided ingredients within a set time.<\/p>\n

The program is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Homiel Branch of the Vetka Museum of Old Believers and Belarusian Traditions<\/h2>\n

Museum Night here will be celebrated on Saturday, May 23, with the event \u201cYurya\u2019s Horse Ran Wild.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fiery rhythm of the Year of the Horse has merged with the feat of Saint George, whose feast day falls in May. These two symbols \u2014 one from the East, the other from the depths of centuries \u2014 inspired museum staff to create the unique atmosphere of this year\u2019s Museum Night.<\/p>\n

The program is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Warsaw<\/h1>\n

Museum of Free Belarus<\/h2>\n

The Museum of Free Belarus project \u201cBagpipes: Music of the Past and Present\u201d has been included in the program of Warsaw Museum Night 2026.<\/p>\n

Organizers promise visitors an introduction to the Belarusian bagpipe tradition \u2014 from the instrument\u2019s history to live music and workshops.<\/p>\n

The program begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, with the opening of the exhibition \u201cBagpipes: Instrument, History, Symbol.\u201d The exhibition will present the bagpipe as a cultural symbol and part of Belarusian heritage.<\/p>\n

At 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., author-led tours with Yauhen Baryshnikau<\/b> \u2014 musician, researcher, and teacher of the Belarusian bagpipe tradition \u2014 will take place. Visitors will hear stories about the instrument, its meaning, and performance traditions.<\/p>\n

From 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the \u201cBagpipe Workshop\u201d will be open, where visitors can learn about the process of creating bagpipes and try themselves as musicians.<\/p>\n

The program will conclude with an open-air bagpipe concert starting at 11:00 p.m. and lasting until 2:00 a.m. Belarusian and Polish bagpipers will participate. Organizers promise live music and dancing under the open sky.<\/p>\n

POLIN Museum<\/h2>\n

Warsaw\u2019s POLIN Museum invites young people aged 14-19 to spend Museum Night together in an unusual atmosphere.<\/p>\n

The event will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. (with an option to stay overnight and share breakfast at 9:00 a.m.).<\/p>\n

The evening will begin with creative sound experiments. After the workshop, there will be dinner, and once the museum closes to visitors, Kinga will lead an author\u2019s tour of the permanent exhibition. It promises to be a unique experience unlike a traditional museum visit. Participants will encounter the exhibition through movement, silence, flashlight beams, and the creation of their own soundtracks for different exhibition spaces.<\/p>\n

The evening will conclude with a film screening and overnight stay at the POLIN Museum Educational Center.<\/p>\n

Special mats will be provided, but participants are advised to bring a sleeping bag or blanket, pillow, and comfortable clothing.<\/p>\n

Morning activities and a shared breakfast are also planned.<\/p>\n

The event will be held in Polish.<\/p>\n

The program is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Vilnius<\/h1>\n

Ivan Luckievich Belarusian Museum in Vilnius<\/h2>\n

Museum Night at the Ivan Luckievich Belarusian Museum in Vilnius (20 Vilniaus Street) will take place on May 23. At 6:00 p.m., the exhibition \u201cTransition Line\u201d will open, featuring works by artist Malgazhata Dmitruk<\/b>, in which the author embroiders the memory of Podlasie onto fabric together with her own memories.<\/p>\n

The program will continue with a lottery of artworks. Visitors will have the chance to win art lots for a donation.<\/p>\n

The program also includes an artisans\u2019 fair, a chamber concert, the creation of a time capsule for the next Museum Night, and a tasting of nalewka liqueurs (20+).<\/p>\n

Subscribe to Reform.news cultural news<\/a> on Telegram<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

On May 18, Museum Night is celebrated around the world, with cultural institutions remaining open until late evening or even overnight hours to offer visitors special programs. This year, Museum Night celebrations will mostly take place on the weekend, on May 16. We selected some of the most interesting Belarusian events both inside the country […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":542059,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sharing_image":{"poster":"https:\/\/reform.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/6a0572ac8644a.jpg","width":1200,"height":630,"template":"691142dd","mode":"auto"},"_sharing_image_fieldset":{"dTVKfmI95PYT":"Museum Night 2026: Events in Belarus and Beyond"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[142375,142338],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-542060","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture","category-news"],"wps_subtitle":"","permalink_manager":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/reform.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/542060","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/reform.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/reform.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reform.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reform.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=542060"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/reform.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/542060\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reform.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/542059"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/reform.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=542060"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reform.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=542060"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reform.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=542060"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}