By Diplomacy Journal Belarus Correspondent Kim Sun-ah

Every night, a giant diamond shines in Minsk, the capital of Belarus. It is the National Library of Belarus.

Founded in 1922, the library was reborn in 2006 with a new, modern building, transforming it into a multi-cultural space where knowledge and art coexist. Designed by architects Viktor Kramarenko and Mikhail Vinogradov, the library is a 23-story polyhedron with a unique shape known as a "rhombicuboctahedron."

This symbolizes a "jewel embodying knowledge." The glass exterior sparkles in the sunlight during the day, and at night, over 4,600 LED lights illuminate the entire city, illuminating it with a dazzling display.

Minsk residents fondly call this light "the octagonal lantern in the sky." Inside, approximately 10 million books and rare ancient documents are preserved. With a reading room that can accommodate 2,000 people simultaneously, a conference hall that seats 500, and a 23rd-floor observation deck offering panoramic views of Minsk, the library is more than just a library; it is a complex cultural hub where knowledge, art, and tourism coexist.

In particular, the National Library has gone beyond being a symbol of knowledge to become a platform for international cultural exchange. The K-Folk Painting International Exchange Exhibition, jointly organized by Korea and Belarus, holds significant meaning in this context.

Korean folk paintings are "art in life," depicting the lives and hopes of the people, while the Belarusian library is "house of culture," embodying the wisdom and spirit of their citizens. The meeting of these two arts goes beyond mere exhibitions; it signifies a dialogue between intellect, sensibility, and Eastern and Western civilizations.

Minsk citizens learn about their own culture and appreciate the art of other countries through this library, where tradition and modernity coexist.

Therefore, the National Library of Belarus is not simply a place to store books; it is a symbolic stage for cultural diplomacy between nations. Illuminated at night, the octagonal building resembles a beacon of knowledge, art, and peace. Its light illuminates not only the Minsk night sky, but also the hearts of two countries linked by culture.

"This is a diamond filled with knowledge, a beacon to the world illuminating each other's cultures." The National Library of Belarus continues to shine quietly yet brilliantly today. Through it, the cultures of Korea and Belarus grow closer, and the language of art transcends borders to write new stories.