The Vitebsk Museum of Private Collecting History has moved to the city's tourist center

The Vitebsk Museum of Private Collections has moved and opened its doors in a historic building in the city center on September 6, reported Denis Yurchak, chief specialist of the department of ideological work, culture and youth affairs of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.

For many years, the museum was located in the former house of the land bank manager of the late 19th - early 20th century on Dovatora Street. In 2012, it was decided to move it to the historical center of the city and place it in the building of the first city power station, as well as expand the exhibition by including collections from several collectors. The work was completed only this year. Over Br4.4 billion (undenominated rubles) were spent on the renovation of the building, and about Br700 million (undenominated) were spent on the creation of the exhibition. The construction was carried out by the enterprise "Ekoorgstroy", and ODO "Mastakservis" was responsible for the artistic implementation of the exhibition.

On the opening day, the museum tour will be free, and visitors will be treated to a small improvised ball in the traditions of the 19th century. "This museum is a tribute to the efforts of private collectors and local historians who have been collecting and preserving antiques for many years, which have now become the heritage of our people. The museum was and will be a center for educating the younger generation. Based on the artifacts, young people will be able to learn more not only about the history of their native city, but also of Belarus and other countries," explained Denis Yurchak.

The renovated museum presents the most interesting items from the collections of Vaclav Fedorovich, Anton Brodovsky, Mikhail Kolkov, and most comprehensively - the collection of Ivan Galkevich. In total, over 1200 items. The exhibition reveals the diversity of private collections - items of archaeology, cameos, weapons, porcelain, embroidery, smoking accessories, sculpture, coins, commemorative and award medals and badges. The museum has an exhibition hall where it is planned to present other collections, both from museum and private collections. Contacts with potential partners from Vitebsk, Minsk and other cities provide an opportunity

implementation of interesting projects. The Vitebsk Museum of the History of Private Collecting was established in 1993. The basis for the museum's creation was the collection of one of the largest Belarusian collectors, Ivan Galkevich (1895-1976). It is an excellent selection of European and Russian coins, commemorative medals, and awards – over 7,000 items in total. Fulfilling her husband's dream, the collector's widow donated the collection to the Vitebsk Regional Museum of Local Lore.

Ekaterina Knyazeva - BELTA.