Sculpture of a bison on the M1 highway.

If you have ever driven along the M1 highway from Minsk to Brest or back, you probably noticed a huge figure of a bison on the border of the regions. This is not just a roadside art object, it is a real symbol that has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in Belarus over more than two decades. And in recent years, he has also "come to life": he breathes steam and even growls.

How it all started

The giant bison appeared on the highway in 2003. The idea to install an impressive monument at the entrance to the Brest region was borrowed from the Spaniards. We implemented a project for the republican festival of the village workers "Dazhynki", which was hosted by the city of Pruzhany that year.

The structure was manufactured at the Pinsk Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Plant. It took engineers, mechanics and welders more than a month to create this metal giant.

The size is amazing: the height of the bison from hooves to hump is about 20 meters, which is comparable to a six-story house, and the length from horns to tail reaches 28 meters. The structure weighs about 70 tons. At the same time, the monument is almost flat, with only the horns protruding in volume.

The bison is located on a hill near the village of Petkovichi, Baranovichi district. It can be seen from the highway for several kilometers - it has always been a prominent landmark, but over time it has also become a place of attraction for travelers.

Restoration: a new breath for the old giant

After almost two decades, the sculpture needed updating. In the fall of 2022, the bison was "closed" for a large-scale restoration.

The work was not easy - they were carried out by a team of industrial climbers, because it would be difficult for ordinary builders to reach the upper points of the 20-meter figure. The specialists checked and digested the welds, replaced the damaged metal sheets, and treated the structure from corrosion inside and out. The foundation was also partially renovated, making high-quality waterproofing so that condensation would not accumulate inside.

But the main change was waiting for the appearance. Instead of the previous monochrome terracotta color, the sculpture received a detailed 3D painting. The bison has painted eyes, nose, cheekbones, and fur, which has been worked out in large strokes. The most spectacular innovation is that the eyes now blink periodically.

The work was completed in December 2022. At the same time, the surrounding area was improved: convenient parking was equipped, and a large gabion with the inscription "Brest region" was installed. The place has become not just a point on the map, but a full-fledged recreation area for drivers.

New level: the "revived" bison

But the update of the appearance was not limited to. In 2025, the idea came up to make the attraction interactive. The idea was for the bison to let steam out of its nostrils - to make it seem really alive.

It turned out to be difficult to implement the idea due to the peculiarities of the metal structure. However, by the middle of 2026, the special effect was fully operational.

Since June 19, 2026, thick steam has been escaping from the nostrils of the 70-ton giant every hour at a distance of more than five meters. The show can be seen from 9:00 a.m. to sunset. And since July 13, a sound has been added to the pair - the bison growls for about 10 seconds to the beat of "breathing".

How to find out when there will be steam:

· On the zubr1region.by website. A countdown timer is running.

· You can also turn on the growl yourself, regardless of the time of day.

Future plans: The Wings of Friendship Cafe

Interactive bison is not the latest innovation. In April 2025, the construction of a roadside cafe near the landmark was announced. The object already has a working name - "Wings of Friendship". According to the idea, the cafe will use natural materials - stone and glass, so that the complex harmoniously fits into the landscape.

The cafe should make the location a complete tourist area.

The bison can be seen from the highway from afar, there is a convenient parking nearby for a bus stop. The trampled path to the monument is the best proof that this giant has long been a favorite of travelers. And now that he's also "breathing" steam and growling, there's practically no chance of driving past without stopping.