The Library of Belarusian State Academy of Music presents a thematic exhibition “Minsk is the capital of my country”, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the awarding of the honorary title “Minsk – “Hero City” (1974) and the 525th anniversary of Minsk receiving the Magdeburg law.
This year, the capital of the Republic of Belarus, the city of Minsk, turns 957 years old since the date of its first chronicle mention on March 3, 1067 in the “Tale of Bygone Years”. 525 years ago, on March 14, 1499, the Grand Duke of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Alexander Jagiellon granted the city the Magdeburg Law by his charter. Minsk received the right to create its own self-government body – the magistrate, to establish a city coat of arms (1591), which emphasized its independence from princely or royal power and the city banner. In addition, the Magdeburg Law significantly improved the economic development of the capital, and also significantly expanded its borders, freeing the city folk from numerous feudal duties.
Minsk also has its own heroic history, dating back centuries. During its existence, the city has experienced many wars. But the enemies always received a worthy rebuff. During the Great Patriotic War, an underground resistance movement was organized on the territory of Minsk, which had no analogues in terms of numbers in the world. About 1,500 sabotage operations were carried out in 1,100 days. Almost the entire Nazi infrastructure was destroyed.
For outstanding services to the Motherland, courage and heroism shown by the workers of the city of Minsk in the fight against the Nazi occupiers, Minsk was awarded the title of “Hero City” with the award of the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal. Our capital celebrated the 50th anniversary of this event on June 26, 2024.
In the sections of the exhibition, the image of the city is presented in scientific, popular science, journalistic and encyclopedic publications, illustrations, and photo documents. A number of publications are dedicated to the history of the city from ancient times to the present day. Particular attention is paid to the period of the Great Patriotic War. Publications about memorable places of the city, its labor and military glory, about the heroes after whom the capital’s streets are named are presented.

The exhibition is located in the foyer of the 2nd floor (Kommunisticheskaya St., 9) of the educational building No. 2 from August 28 to September 26, 2024.