Zilber's ’’Science’’ Minsk
Coders of the past
One of the things I enjoy about being a Spotter is the opportunity to explore my own city as a newcomer. It sometimes leads to fascinating finds. I often pass by the sculpture in front of the Research Institute ’’CNIITU’’ in my neighbourhood and yet I was surprised to learn that Zilber’s allegorical forged copper composition ’’Science’’ (1975) is considered the world's first monument dedicated to coders.
If you researched while planning your trip to Minsk, you know that Belarus was on the path to becoming the Silicon Valley of Eastern Europe. I find it rather amusing that this shot the man holding an oscilloscope and the woman holding a punched tape with a program to well-deserved fame.
The bike factory district is a blank spot on the Minsk tourist map, and there is no doubt it won't be on your bucket list, either. Street art tourism is an inevitable choice, but Soviet monumental art is defo worth seeing to expand your sense of place. Keep in mind this overlooked lead you may still want to follow.
The smell of chocolate might tempt you to stroll down Partyzanski Avenue to grab some local sweets at the Kamunarka factory (Aranskaya str, 18). It would be ideal to pay a visit on the evening of a clear day so you can watch the sun disappear over the horizon while walking through the monochrome surroundings (concrete landscapes can be inspiring!).
Alternatively, you can check out one of the local murals at Rabočy Zavulak, 1.
About this spot
Partyzanski avenue 2/4
- 247
BYR
free
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Minsk guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Minsk
Hopscotching in Kašary – Canal wisdom
It's said that exploring the "Kašary" canal in Minsk can inspire you to find novel solutions to questions you need an answer to!
By
Katia
Syrayezhkina
Antonaŭski Park – The green gate to Traktarahorad
Antonaŭski Park is part of the Slepyanskaya Water System, Minsk's longest park complex and one of the largest in the world! It has it all.
By
Katia
Syrayezhkina
MON NOM – Coffee, melusines and more
MON NOM in Minsk is too cool to miss. Feels like an antique shop, inspiring from the start. Opens at 10 am, perfect for a day exploring Traktarahorad!
By
Katia
Syrayezhkina
Cafe 4 (Let it be) – Bread. Reimagined.
"Let It Be" in Minsk is a minimalist bakery that makes baked stuff with toppings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Also try their 'wine of the day'...
By
Ilya
Uglianitsa
Cafe 5 (Underdog) – Pizza and sparkling wine
"Cafe 5" in Minsk is a pizza place with a simple concept: Pizza and sparkling wine. You'd be surprised how well these two go together!
By
Ilya
Uglianitsa
Art-Belarus – Not just a gallery
Art-Belarus in Minsk is a historical and cultural project that has the biggest collection of Belarusian artworks, it also supports local contemporary art.
By
Katia
Syrayezhkina
Accidental Point – Music store and artist spot
"Accidental Point" in Minsk is a place dreamed up by a community of musicians. When it's not Saturday night, it's mostly quiet, calm and dreamy...
By
Ilya
Uglianitsa
Traktarahorad – A living monument to social realism
"Traktarahorad" is a historical district of Minsk originally intended for the workers of the Minsk Tractor Plant. The buidlings have interesting details...
By
Katia
Syrayezhkina
Trams 4 & 7 – Scenic city rides
Trams 4 & 7 offer equally nice scenic routes through Minsk! Hop on a tram, observe city life and travel back in time...
By
Katia
Syrayezhkina
Panoramic Elevator – Minsk from above
The "Panoramic Elevator" in Hotel Belarus in Minsk is a secret tip to see some of the city's best views over the river Svisloch and beyond!
By
Katia
Syrayezhkina
Minsk Observatory – A bit of cosmic romance
Minsk observatory (the only public one in Belarus) is by far my favourite place to spend a sleepless night out. A perfect alternative to bar hopping!
By
Katia
Syrayezhkina
27-km Biking Path – Śvisłač river at its finest
There is a 27-km Biking Path in Minsk that crosses the whole city, and this is where you can go rent a bike and enjoy the ride by the river!
By