The building of the Mahilioŭ Drama Theater is an architectural monument of the XIX century, one of the most beautiful buildings of the historical part of the city, the historical and cultural value of Belarus.

For a long time there was no theater building in Mahilioŭ, and performances took place in private houses of wealthy citizens. In the 1870s, the administration of the Mahilioŭ Province came up with the idea of ​​building its own theater in the city. A fundraising, in which broad public layers took part, was announced. By 1886, the required amount was collected.

Mahilioŭ provincial architect Piotr Kamburaŭ and engineer Uladzislaŭ Milianoŭski were the authors of the project. The site for the construction of the theater building was chosen to be the area near Muraŭjoŭski Park – at the intersection of Dniaproŭski Avenue (now Vulica Pieršamajskaja) and Vulica Dvaranskaja (now Vulica Kamsamoĺskaja). This place was most convenient to visit by residents of all parts of the city. Construction began in 1886 and was completed in late 1888. And in 1889, the troupe of Hieorhi Dzierkač opened the first theatrical season in Mahilioŭ.

In Soviet times, the theater building was used for its intended purpose. In 1953, a theater with a permanent troupe was established in Mahilioŭ, which still operates today. In the mid 1980s, the Ministry of Culture of the BSSR proposed to demolish the old theater building and build a new one in its place. However, this proposal caused a negative public response and the demolition was abandoned. In 1992, the reconstruction of the theater building began. And only in 2001, the theater reopened its doors to the audience. Today the building of the Mahilioŭ Drama Theater is a rectangle with a 500-seat theater hall in the center. The main facade is decorated with two tower-like volumes. Wood carvings are widely used in interior decoration.

In 2003, before the start of the new theatrical season, a bronze sculptural composition "Lady With a Dog" (sculptor Uladzimir Žbanaŭ) was opened near the main entrance. And in 2008 the building of the Mahilioŭ theater was included in the list of historical and cultural values ​​of the Republic of Belarus.

Publication date: 18.05.2017.

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