The exhibition tells the story of Belarus through its visual imagery. From the flags of the era of the Duchy of Połack and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania — through the symbolism of the Belarusian Democratic Republic, the Słuck Uprising and Belarusian military formations of the 20th century — to contemporary symbols of the struggle for a free Belarus and the symbols under which Belarusians help Ukraine fight against the Russian invasion. The exhibition presents historical and contemporary flags, designs for state symbols, a national system of decorations, a proposed passport for a free Belarus, as well as the symbols and uniform of the future Belarusian armed forces.
The exhibition shows that national symbolism is not merely a legacy of the past, but also an image of the country of the future, its values and its spirit. What will a free Belarus look like? What will its flags, decorations, documents, armed forces and state ceremonies be like? The exhibition’s authors seek not simply to reflect a historical tradition, but to create a coherent visual language for the Belarusian state of the future.
These projects are developed by the Pahonia Heraldic Council — a collective of Belarusian heraldists, historians, artists and communications specialists. Among them are professionals who have worked on the development of state symbols and decorations, authors of historical research, and long-standing advocates of Belarusian culture and heritage.
Today, all of them are outside Belarus. Not everyone can openly disclose their name or show their face. Yet they are united by a common goal — to help Belarus become free again. They embody their vision of a free country through visual imagery: in flags and coats of arms, decorations and uniforms, documents and symbols of state dignity.