Interactive map of Soviet modernist architecture launches in Belarus

The creators of a project dedicated to Soviet monumental art in Belarus have launched an interactive map of Soviet modernist architecture.

The site already features buildings in Minsk, Navapolotsk, Baranavichi, and Babruisk.

The resource is currently in testing, with information on new buildings being continuously added.

Why Belarus has so much Soviet modernist architecture

Belarus ended up with so much Soviet modernist architecture for a pretty stark reason: after WWII, the country had to be rebuilt almost from scratch. With so many cities in ruins, and new industrial hubs popping up everywhere, architects weren't just filling in gaps on existing streets—they were designing entire city centers and neighborhoods all at once. Since most of this boom happened between the 60s and 80s, Soviet modernism became the default DNA of modern Belarusian cities.