The National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus is the country's largest museum of national and world art. Its history began in 1939, and it opened to the public in 1957. The museum's collection encompasses over thirty thousand works of art, systematically organized into several key collections. The department of Belarusian art traces the development of national artistic traditions from the 12th century to the present day, including medieval sacral art, portraiture from the 16th to 18th centuries, and works by prominent 19th and 20th-century artists. The collection of Russian art features significant paintings, icons, and sculptures from the 12th to the 20th centuries, with works by masters such as Ilya Repin, Ivan Shishkin, and Vasily Surikov. The museum also holds a substantial collection of European art, including paintings, graphics, and decorative-applied art from Western European countries, as well as art from the East, including pieces from China, Japan, India, and other Asian nations. The institution actively engages in scientific research, restoration, and educational activities, organizing temporary exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events. It plays a central role in preserving the cultural heritage of Belarus and promoting art appreciation among the public.