The capital of the Republic of Belarus – Hero City Minsk has the richest historical, cultural, ethical, and intellectual heritage. Monuments of architecture, museums, theatres and concert halls, a developed network of cultural and educational institutions, a great number of talented, highly-skilled men of art make up a large cultural and creative potential, create infinite possibilities for Minsk citizens’ spiritual advancement.
Every year over a hundred citywide, republican and international cultural events are held in the capital. The annual number of visits to the city libraries has grown up to 2.1 million. The number of library readers has grown up to 350 thousand people. Every year they borrow about 6 million copies of books. Much work is done to perpetuate the memory of outstanding men of science and cultural workers, the Great Patriotic War participants.
Much work has been done to restore historical and cultural heritage, including installation of memorial plaques. For the last years an annual republican exhibition “City of Craftsmen” has been held in Minsk. The main part is assigned to events dedicated to the most important dates in the life of the country and its capital – Constitution Day of the Republic of Belarus, International Woman’s Day, Motherland Defenders’ Day, Victory Day, National Emblem and Flag Day of the Republic of Belarus, Unification Day of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia.
It has been a tradition to hold special events on occasion of the red letter dates (New Year’s Day and Christmas, International Theatre Day, International Museum Day, Family Day, Labour Day, Child’s Day in the framework of International Children’s Day).
During the first half of 2009 a number of cultural and recreation programs were organized for participants and spectators of he largest sports competitions, including the sports event “Minsk Ski Marathon-2009”, the Fifth International Christmas Tournament for the prizes of the President of the Republic of Belarus, and others.
The top priority tasks of cultural establishments concern the creation of economic and organizational conditions for spiritual advancement of the citizens of Minsk, the development of the Belarusian national arts and traditions as well as esthetic upbringing and education of the rising generation.