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Rhombicuboctahedron – main viewpoint in Minsk

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Rhombicuboctahedron seems even impossible to pronounce. Rhomb cube octeahedron… What exactly is it?

It’s a shape of eight triangular and eighteen square faces – an expanded cube. Don’t have to torture your imagination trying to shape it in your mind, we will show you how it looks. On grand scale. Two Belarusian architects used this shape in their project of National Library in Minsk. Imagine only that it’s 72-meter high consturuction.National Library in MinskIt’s located outside the city center but still on the main Minsk street – Independence Avenue. This cosmic structure, opened in 2006, is situated in the park, among new housing apartments still in constrution. We are sure that no matter what will be built around, this unique construction will stand out.
On the roof of the constructon there is an observation deck from which we can look over the city. Since the library is away from the city center the view is not really breathtaking, just the suburbs construction sites. Important tip – the entrance to the terrace is at the back of the building. Below the open deck there is an indoor platform with Panorama art gallery.

National Library in Minsk, BelarusNational Library in Minsk, BelarusNational Library in Minsk, BelarusNational Library in Minsk, Belarus

The constrution of main door is supposed to bring to mind an oped book. It leads to an interior offering reading rooms for 2000 people. Library’s mission is to satisfy cultural and social needs of Belarusians so besides the largest collecton of Belarusian prints it houses also a conference hall for almost 500 people, fitness center, bar, art galleries and children’s room. 

National Library in Minsk, BelarusNational Library in Minsk, Belarus

But it’s during the night when the library gives its spectacle. Ths expanded cube displays different images. Today those are mostly advertisements that probably provide them extra funds. Couple years back we recall some Belarusian national patterns displayed. Maybe that was some kind commercial too?

National Library in Minsk, BelarusNational Library in Minsk, Belarus

The building is definitely extraordinary. It looks a little like a spaceship or UFO to us but definitely the most characteristic Minsk building.

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