National Museum Opens ‘Silver Splendor’ Exhibition in Belarus

MINSK: The National Museum has opened the exhibition 'Silver Splendor: Collections from the Omani Court' at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Minsk, Belarus, as part of Oman Day events and ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Belarus. The exhibition will run until March 18, 2026.
The exhibition highlights Omani silver as a historically pioneering craft, showcasing a curated collection of artefacts belonging to the Sultans of Oman in Muscat and Zanzibar. It reflects the artistic, cultural and symbolic significance of silver in Omani society, where it represents beauty, protection and refined craftsmanship.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of HH Sayyidah Dr Mona bint Fahd al Said, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for International Cooperation at SQU and Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum. In her address, she underlined the importance of strengthening friendship and expanding cultural and intellectual cooperation between the two friendly nations.
Jamal bin Hassan al Mousawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, said the exhibition was organised following the official visit of President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus to the Sultanate of Oman in December 2024 and his directive to host the exhibition in Minsk. He noted that the exhibition embodies Oman’s cultural diplomacy by presenting Omani heritage in a universal artistic language that fosters mutual understanding and cooperation.
He added that the displayed artefacts, particularly the Omani dagger, reflect the depth of craftsmanship and symbolic meaning in Omani culture, illustrating the convergence of art, royalty, authenticity and innovation. He also recalled Oman’s participation as guest of honour during the 80th anniversary of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Minsk, when the exhibition 'Oman, Pearl of the East: Handicrafts' was presented in 2019.
The exhibition is organised into five main sections: the Omani dagger, perfume culture, silver craftsmanship, traditional costumes, and elite attire of prominent Omani figures in East Africa.
The dagger section traces its history from the third millennium BC and highlights various types, including the Saidi, Nizwa and Suri daggers. It also features a jambiya presented by former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.
The perfume culture section explores the role of fragrances in Omani daily and social life, displaying rare crystal, gold and silver perfume bottles from 1983, including the first creations of Amouage, with designs inspired by the Omani dagger. The silver craftsmanship section presents jewellery and ornaments used for adornment, protection and as symbols of social and economic security for women.
The traditional costumes section showcases men’s and women’s attire, accessories and weapons adorned with silver, including a shield and flintlock weapon from the private collection of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The elite fashion section features jewellery and garments of prominent Omani figures, including pieces belonging to Sayyidah Salma bint Said al Busaidy from the 19th century.
Opened in 1939, the National Museum of Fine Arts in Minsk is the largest museum in Belarus, housing over 37,000 artworks across 20 collections. The museum plays a key role in research, restoration, cultural exchange and public engagement through exhibitions, workshops and educational programmes. — ONA