The history of the bison sculpture on the border of Minsk and Brest regions
The metal bison on the M1 highway is one of the most recognizable symbols of Brest Region. It stands at the entrance to the region from the Minsk side, not far from the village of Petkovichi in Baranovichi District. For many drivers and travelers, this huge figure has become a sign that Brest Region is beginning.
The idea to install the bison appeared in 2003, when the town of Pruzhany was preparing to host the national agricultural festival “Dazhynki.” According to BELTA, the initiator was Vasily Dolgolev, the former chairman of the Brest Regional Executive Committee. During a trip to Spain, he saw roadside figures of bulls and suggested creating a similar landmark, but with a Belarusian meaning. That is why a bison was chosen instead of a bull — a symbol of Belarus and Belovezhskaya Pushcha.
Creating the sculpture was a complex engineering task. The image of the bison was developed by architect Ivan Karvat, while Nikolai Yakimuk worked on the structural part. The project was prepared by specialists from Brestproekt, and production was entrusted to the Pinsk Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Plant.
The work had to be done very quickly: only about 40 days remained before the festival. The plant workers worked long shifts, bought metal, prepared parts and assembled the enormous structure. It was impossible to transport the bison in one piece, so it was divided into 11 parts.
First, the figure was drawn in full size directly on the territory of the plant. Then the metal elements were made, prepared for transportation and delivered to Baranovichi District. On site, the parts of the sculpture were assembled again and welded together. The foundation was made especially strong: more than 200 tons of concrete were used. Installation took 12 days.
The size of the bison is impressive. Different sources give similar figures: the sculpture is about 20 meters high up to the hump, and its total length from horns to tail is about 28 meters. The metal structure weighs approximately 70 tons. Thanks to these dimensions, the bison is clearly visible from the highway.
In 2003, the sculpture was installed as an entrance sign for Brest Region. It was meant to welcome guests of the region and remind them of the natural symbol of Belarus — the mighty bison, the master of Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Over time, the landmark became a popular place for stops and photographs.
Later, municipal services began to monitor the condition of the sculpture. In 2022, the bison was inspected and repaired: the load-bearing metal structures, welded seams and outer metal panels were checked. After the repair, the figure was renewed, repainted and its lighting was improved.
The area around the bison is gradually being improved. A parking area was arranged nearby, a decorative “Brest Region” sign was installed, and plans to build a café were also discussed. In recent years, unusual special effects have also been tested at the sculpture: steam from the nostrils and, in the future, sound effects resembling the roar of a bison.
Thus, the bison on the M1 highway appeared as a festive entrance sign for “Dazhynki-2003,” but over time it became much more than that — a symbol of the road to Brest Region, a popular landmark and one of the most noticeable roadside monuments in Belarus.