Exploring The Expansive Floors Of Belarus' National Library

The National Library of Belarus is an impressive structure, standing at 72-73.6 metres tall and weighing 115,000-140,000 tonnes. The building, which was completed in 2006, has 22 or 23 floors and can seat up to 2,000 people. The library is located in Minsk and is the largest in the Republic of Belarus. It is home to the largest collection of Belarusian printed materials and the third-largest collection of Russian books in the world. The building's unique design has 18 square and 8 triangular faces, forming the shape of a rhombicuboctahedron.

The National Library of Belarus has 22 or 23 floors

The National Library of Belarus is an impressive structure, and its floor count is a little confusing. The building, which is the largest library in the Republic of Belarus, has 22 or 23 floors.

The discrepancy in floor numbers may be due to the fact that the main architectural component of the building has a unique shape—that of a rhombicuboctahedron, an Archimedean solid with 8 triangular and 18 square faces. This unusual shape may account for the variation in floor numbers, as some sources refer to the top floor as the 22nd, while others state it is the 23rd.

The library is an important centre for information and culture in Belarus. It houses the largest collection of Belarusian printed materials and the third-largest collection of Russian books in the world. The building, which was completed in 2006, can seat up to 2,000 readers and has a 500-seat conference hall. It also features a café and gallery on the 22nd floor and an observation deck on the roof, which is accessed via an elevator on the 23rd floor.

The National Library of Belarus is an impressive structure, not only in terms of its size and shape but also because of its architectural and cultural significance. It is a true landmark in Minsk and a testament to the value of knowledge and learning.

The main building is 72 or 73.6 metres tall

The National Library of Belarus is an impressive structure, standing at 72 or 73.6 metres tall. The main building, which was completed in 2006, has a unique rhombicuboctahedron shape, an Archimedean solid with 18 square and 8 triangular faces. This distinct shape has earned the library the nickname, the diamond of knowledge. The height of the building is not only functional, providing ample space for the library's collections and visitors, but also symbolic. The architects, Mikhail Vinogradov and Viktor Kramarenko, intended the cut diamond shape to represent the value of knowledge and the endlessness of the perceptible world.

The library's height is further accentuated by its location in a park on the riverbank, providing a striking contrast to the natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck on the 23rd floor, which is located 73 metres above the ground. The journey to the top can be an adventure in itself, as one visitor described the experience of riding the elevator up as "anxiety-inducing". However, the reward is a breathtaking view of Minsk, which can be seen through binoculars or with the naked eye.

The National Library of Belarus is not just a place for books; it is a true city attraction that draws people in with its impressive architecture and light shows. The exterior of the building is covered in RGB colour-changing LED fixtures, creating a spectacular light display in the evening. With its modern design, the library stands out as one of the few remaining specimens of the constructivism age in Belarus.

The height of the library is not just about making a statement; it also serves a practical purpose. The book storage facility is located in the upper part of the building to ensure waterproofing and create comfortable conditions for the books. This unique architectural feature showcases the careful thought that went into the design of this impressive structure.

It is located in Minsk, Belarus

The National Library of Belarus is located in Minsk, the capital city of Belarus. It is situated in the park zone of the Slepyanka River and greenery system, in the northeast of the city, at 116 Nezavisimosti Avenue. This is the city's central thoroughfare.

The library is easily accessible by public transport. The fastest way to get there is by using the Minsk metro to reach Vostok station on the first line. Alternatively, buses and trolleybuses are available, with stops at Natsionalnaya Biblioteka or Ulitsa Filimonova.

The library is an attractive landmark of Belarus. Its distinct shape and design make it a unique architectural feature of the city. The building is in the shape of a rhombicuboctahedron—a complex polyhedron with 18 square and 8 triangular faces. It is 73.6 metres tall and weighs 115,000 tonnes (not including books). The library has 22 or 23 floors and can seat about 2,000 readers. It also features a 500-seat conference hall, a cafe, a gallery, and an observation deck on the roof.

The National Library of Belarus is the largest library in the Republic of Belarus. It houses the largest collection of Belarusian printed materials and the third-largest collection of books in the Russian language.

The library opened in 2006

The National Library of Belarus opened its doors on 16 June 2006, welcoming visitors to explore its impressive collection of knowledge and culture. The library, located in the heart of Minsk, stands tall with 22 floors (or 23 floors according to one source) gleaming in the city's skyline. Its unique shape, a rhombicuboctahedron, is an eye-catching architectural marvel that has put Belarus on the map for fantastic architectural works.

The journey to the grand opening of this library began years before 2006. The idea for a new and modern library building was conceived as early as 1989 when a USSR-wide contest was held to choose the best architectural design. The winners, architects Viktor Kramarenko and Mikhail Vinogradov (or Mihail Vinogradov), envisioned a structure that combined functionality and modern design. Their winning proposal, the "Belarusian diamond," symbolised the value of knowledge and the endlessness of the world of perception.

The construction of this ambitious project commenced in November 2002 and was completed in January 2006. The large-scale construction involved approximately 5,000 people and 200 enterprises, with up to 3,000 people working on the site daily during peak times. The final structure stands at a height of 73.6 metres (or 72 metres according to one source) and weighs an impressive 115,000 tonnes (or 140,000 tonnes according to another source).

The National Library of Belarus is more than just a collection of books. It is a multipurpose centre that blends cutting-edge technology with ultramodern design and unusual architecture. The library can accommodate about 2,000 readers in its spacious seating areas and boasts a 500-seat conference hall. The interior showcases the works of modern Belarusian artists and sculptors, adorning the courts and corridors that lead to the reading rooms.

The library's collection is just as impressive as its structure. It houses the largest collection of Belarusian printed materials and the third-largest collection of books in the Russian language, following the Russian State Library in Moscow and the Russian National Library in Saint Petersburg. The depository collections include about 8 to 10 million items across various media, including printed editions, manuscripts, microcopies, digital materials, and more.

The National Library of Belarus has become a city attraction, drawing visitors from near and far. It is situated in a park on the bank of the Slepyanka River, adding to the allure of its surroundings. The observation deck on the top floor offers breathtaking views of the Belarusian capital, and the library's exterior dazzles with a colourful LED display in the evenings, making it the country's largest advertising space.

It is a multipurpose centre with a conference hall, a cafe, a gallery, and an observation deck

The National Library of Belarus is a multipurpose centre with a conference hall, a cafe, a gallery, and an observation deck. The library is located in Minsk, Belarus, and is the largest library in the country. It houses the largest collection of Belarusian printed materials and the third-largest collection of Russian books. The building is 73.6 metres (241.5 feet) tall and has 22 or 23 floors, with an additional basement level.

The conference hall has a capacity of 500 people, while the library itself can seat about 2,000 readers. The observation deck is located on the roof of the building, offering panoramic views of the city. The cafe and gallery are located on the 22nd floor, providing visitors with a unique perspective of the surrounding area while they enjoy a drink or admire the artwork.

The library is not just a place for books and reading, but also a cultural and social hub. It hosts various events, exhibitions, and meetings, including international forums, scientific conferences, and cultural festivals. The building's design is a unique rhombicuboctahedron shape, symbolising the value of knowledge and the endlessness of the world. It is a modern and functional space, incorporating high technologies and ultramodern design.

The National Library of Belarus is an iconic landmark and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its impressive architecture, observation deck, and cultural offerings. It is easily accessible by public transport and is situated in a park on the bank of the Slepyanka River, contributing to its appeal as a multipurpose centre.

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