МузейMuseum of the Belarusian Book-Printing

Museum of the Belarusian Book-Printing is one of the branches of Polotsk National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve. It is located in a former living residence of Polotsk Epiphany Monastery which is an architectural monument of the 18th century.

Museum opened its doors for visitors on September 8, 1990 during the celebration of the 500th anniversary of Belarusian and East Slavonic printing pioneer and the famous citizen of Polotsk - Francysk Skaryna. Museum exposition occupies 920 sq.m. in 15 halls on 2 floors, where 1537 museum object are displayed.

Museum is dedicated to the book in all its forms from the manuscript scrolls to the modern editions. The exposition shows the history of writing, book illustration, polygraphy. Museum of the Book-Printing is one of a kind in our country.

The biggest part of the exposition is occupied by books: manuscripts, old printed books and modern editions. Among them there are rarities like “Didactic Gospel” (Vilno, The Mamonich’s Printing House, 1558), “General Menaion” (Moscow, 1628) and others. Modern editions are presented by the best books – winners of the Art of Books contest.

Beside books there are other printed products: magazines and newspapers of different times, postcards, leaflets, calendars, booklets. Here one can see the process of book creation in the workshop of a scribe or at the printing house. Various materials and instruments for writing are also on display.